Kinetic Energy

This lesson covers:

  1.  What 'kinetic energy' is
  2.  How to calculate kinetic energy

The kinetic energy of an object is the energy that it possesses due to its motion.

Which two measurements are required to calculate the kinetic energy of an object?

Velocity

Force

Distance

Mass

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What is the formula for kinetic energy?

Ek = 12mv2Ek\ =\ \frac{1}{2}mv2

Ek = FdEk\ =\ Fd

Ek = mghEk\ =\ mgh

Ek = 12kx2Ek\ =\ \frac{1}{2}kx2

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Illustration of cubes representing units for kinetic energy.

The units for kinetic energy are:

Newtons (N)

Joules (J)

Pascals (Pa)

Kilograms (kg)

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The units for mass when calculating kinetic energy should be:

Litres (L)

Kilograms (kg)

Grams (g)

Pounds (lb)

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The units for velocity are:

m/s2

km/hr

m/s

ms

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Diagram showing an object with a mass of 2 kg travelling at a velocity of 5 m/s.

An object has a mass of 2 kg, and is travelling at a velocity of 5 m/s.


How much kinetic energy does the object have?

25

 J

 J

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Illustration of a cyclist riding down a hill at a speed of 10 m/s.

A cyclist is riding down a hill at a speed of 10 m/s.


The cyclist has 4 kJ of kinetic energy.


Calculate the cyclist's mass.

80

kg

kg

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