What is Kinetic Energy and How is it Calculated?

Kinetic energy is a form of energy that results from an object's motion. An object with a greater mass or velocity will have a higher kinetic energy. This energy is what allows objects to do work and bring about change in their surroundings.

The formula to calculate kinetic energy is:

Kinetic Energy (K) = 1/2 * mass * velocity^2

Where:
- K = Kinetic Energy
- Mass = Mass of the object in kilograms
- Velocity = Velocity of the object in meters per second

By using this formula, we can determine the amount of kinetic energy an object possesses based on its mass and velocity. It is important to remember that kinetic energy is directly proportional to the mass of the object and the square of its velocity. This means that even a small increase in either mass or velocity can significantly impact the kinetic energy of an object.

For example, if we have an object with a mass of 10 kg moving at a velocity of 5 m/s, we can calculate its kinetic energy as follows:

K = 1/2 * 10 kg * (5 m/s)^2
K = 1/2 * 10 * 25
K = 125 J

Therefore, the kinetic energy of the object in this scenario would be 125 Joules.