Kinetic energy is the energy an object has due to its motion. If something is moving, it has kinetic energy.
What Affects Kinetic Energy?
The faster something moves and the heavier it is, the more kinetic energy it has.
Formula:
Kinetic Energy (KE) = ½ × mass × speed²
This means speed affects kinetic energy a lot, since it’s squared in the formula.
Example:
A fast-moving tennis ball has more kinetic energy than a slow-moving one, even if both have the same mass.
Real-Life Uses:
Kinetic energy is found in cars, athletes running, a thrown ball, or even flowing water. It’s one of the two main types of mechanical energy, along with potential energy.
Where Does Kinetic Energy Go?
Kinetic energy can be transferred or converted into other forms of energy. For example, when a moving car brakes, its kinetic energy is turned into heat energy due to friction. When a ball hits the ground, some of its kinetic energy becomes sound and heat.
Changing Kinetic Energy
If an object speeds up, it gains kinetic energy. If it slows down, it loses kinetic energy. That’s why stopping a fast-moving object takes more force—it has more kinetic energy to remove.