Kinetic energy

Kinetic energy is the energy that an object possesses due to its motion. It is defined as the work needed to accelerate a body of a given mass from rest to its stated velocity. Having gained this energy during its acceleration, the body maintains this kinetic energy unless its speed changes. The same amount of work is done by the body when decelerating from its current speed to a state of rest.

Formula

In physics, the kinetic energy of an object is equal to the force that the object can exert while moving, multiplied by the distance over which this force is exerted. This is represented by the formula:

E_k = 1/2 mv^2

where:

• E_k is the kinetic energy,
• m is the mass of the object, and
• v is the velocity of the object.

Types of kinetic energy

There are several types of kinetic energy, including:

• Translational kinetic energy that depends on motion from one location to another.
• Rotational kinetic energy that depends on rotation around an axis.
• Vibrational kinetic energy that depends on the vibration of an object.

Applications

Kinetic energy is applied in various fields such as physics, engineering, and even in renewable energy technologies like wind power and hydropower.

See also

• Potential energy
• Mechanical energy
• Conservation of energy
• Work (physics)

References

• Wooden roller coaster demonstrating kinetic energy
  Wooden roller coaster demonstrating kinetic energy
• Portrait of Émilie du Châtelet, who contributed to the understanding of kinetic energy
  Portrait of Émilie du Châtelet, who contributed to the understanding of kinetic energy
• Comparison of kinetic energy and momentum
  Comparison of kinetic energy and momentum