Calculating Energy from Mass & Velocity

Thread starter TriumphDog1
Start date Dec 3, 2004
Tags

Energy

In summary, the formula for calculating energy from mass and velocity is E = 1/2 * m * v^2, where E is the energy in joules, m is the mass in kilograms, and v is the velocity in meters per second. When using this formula, make sure to use consistent units for mass and velocity by converting from grams to kilograms and from kilometers per hour to meters per second. This formula can be used for both moving and stationary objects, with a velocity of 0 resulting in an energy of 0. However, it is only applicable for calculating kinetic energy and cannot be used for other types of energy such as potential or thermal energy. The standard unit for energy in this formula is joules, but other

Dec 3, 2004

TriumphDog1

how can i calculate energy when all i am given is mass and velocity?

Physics news on Phys.org

Dec 3, 2004

arildno

Science Advisor

Homework Helper

Gold Member

Dearly Missed

Square the velocity, and multiply with half the mass.
That gives you the kinetic energy.

Dec 3, 2004

elote

in other words, [tex]K.E. = \frac{1}{2} mv^2[/tex]

Last edited: Dec 3, 2004

Dec 3, 2004

TriumphDog1

thanx alot

1. What is the formula for calculating energy from mass and velocity?

The formula for calculating energy from mass and velocity is E = 1/2 * m * v^2, where E is the energy in joules, m is the mass in kilograms, and v is the velocity in meters per second.

2. How do I convert units for mass and velocity when using this formula?

Make sure to use consistent units for mass and velocity. If mass is given in grams, convert it to kilograms by dividing by 1000. If velocity is given in kilometers per hour, convert it to meters per second by multiplying by 0.2778.

3. Is this formula only applicable for objects in motion?

No, this formula can also be used to calculate the energy of an object at rest. In this case, the velocity would be 0, resulting in an energy of 0.

4. Can this formula be used for all types of energy?

This formula is specifically used for kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion. It cannot be used to calculate other types of energy, such as potential energy or thermal energy.

5. What are the units for energy in this formula?

The units for energy in this formula are joules (J). However, depending on the context, other units such as calories or kilowatt-hours may also be used to measure energy.