To calculate kinetic energy for an object shot at an angle, the angle is not necessary if only the speed is required, as kinetic energy is a scalar quantity. However, understanding the angle is crucial for determining the object's trajectory and velocity components. In problems involving projectile motion, the angle can influence calculations related to height and direction, even if it doesn't affect the final speed directly. For scenarios where the angle matters, such as finding the impact angle or maximum height, using components is ideal. Overall, while the angle may not affect kinetic energy calculations directly, it is essential for a comprehensive understanding of motion dynamics.