Question

How to calculate kinetic energy of an object?

Answer 1

The kinetic energy (KE) of an object can be calculated using the following formula:

\[
KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2
\]

where:
- \( KE \) is the kinetic energy,
- \( m \) is the mass of the object (in kilograms),
- \( v \) is the velocity of the object (in meters per second).

### Steps to Calculate Kinetic Energy:

1. **Determine the Mass**: Find the mass of the object in kilograms (kg).
2. **Measure the Velocity**: Measure the velocity of the object in meters per second (m/s).
3. **Substitute Values**: Plug the values for mass and velocity into the kinetic energy formula.
4. **Calculate**: Perform the calculation to find the kinetic energy in joules (J).

### Example:

If you have a car with a mass of 1000 kg moving at a velocity of 20 m/s, the kinetic energy would be calculated as follows:

1. Mass (\( m \)) = 1000 kg
2. Velocity (\( v \)) = 20 m/s
3. Substitute into the formula:
\[
KE = \frac{1}{2} \times 1000 \, \text{kg} \times (20 \, \text{m/s})^2
\]
4. Calculate:
\[
KE = \frac{1}{2} \times 1000 \times 400 = 200000 \, \text{J}
\]

So, the kinetic energy of the car would be 200,000 joules (J).