Formula
This calculator uses the standard kinetic energy calculator formula:
Frequently Asked Questions
Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. KE = ½mv², where m = mass in kg and v = velocity in m/s. Units: joules (J).
KE = ½ × 70 × 5² = ½ × 70 × 25 = 875 J.
Kinetic energy is proportional to the square of velocity. Doubling speed increases kinetic energy by 4×. This is why vehicle crash severity increases dramatically with speed.
Kinetic energy is energy of motion; potential energy is stored energy due to position or state (e.g. gravitational PE = mgh). Total mechanical energy = KE + PE.
The SI unit is the joule (J). One joule = 1 kg·m²/s². For larger values, kilojoules (kJ) or kilocalories (kcal) are used.
Kinetic energy is directly proportional to mass. Doubling the mass doubles the kinetic energy at the same speed.