What Is Kinetic Energy? Explained Simply

In summary, kinetic energy is the energy associated with motion and is a measure of the work that can be done by an object as it is brought to rest. It is closely related to potential energy and can be further understood through the principles of relativity.
  • #1
yaseen shah
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would anyone deeply tell me what is kinetic energy.
 
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  • #2
I think kinetic energy is something you invent to have a number - instead of the vectorial momentum - which together with the invention potential energy is constant over time.

At classically speaking it seems to be so. More answers could come from special relativity.
 
  • #3
Energy is the capacity to do work, and work is force times distance. Kinetic energy is the capacity that something has to apply a force over a distance by slowing down. For example, a bullet is going very fast and can hit a target and decelerate rapidly thereby applying a large force over some distance.
 
  • #4
You can get some insight into KE from an introductory physics text which derives it from
W = Fd = max...a change in velocity of a mass times a distance traveled.

the KE of a body in motion is equal to the work it can do as it is brought to rest...so it's based on a useful, convenient definition.

For a deeper understanding, check the relationship with potential energy (PE) because in some instances they are equal in magnitude and opposite in sign...as in throwing a ball vertically in the air for example...when the decreasing velocity (decreasing KE) is replaced by an equal increase in magnitude of PE as the ball rises. Things reverse as it falls.

In relativity, things get more complex because each inertial (constant velocity) observer measures the apparent velocity of an object differently...so each thinks (correctly) the object has a different KE.

Parts of the Wikipedia write up on KINETIC ENERGY are easy to understand; some are opaque.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinetic_energy

from a post above: "...which together with the invention potential energy is constant over time... not sure exactly what this means, but in general it is not accurate.; see my example where this is true...with regard to a ball rolling on a flat surface, it is NOT.
 
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  • #5
yaseen shah said:
would anyone deeply tell me what is kinetic energy.

It's the energy associated with motion, as opposed to potential energy, which is associated with position. For example, if you're standing still holding a soccer ball in your hands, the ball has potential energy. In other words, it's got the "potential" to do something (to fall to the ground). Once you release the ball, the ball's potential energy is converted into kinetic energy since the ball is moving under the influence of gravity.
 

FAQ: What Is Kinetic Energy? Explained Simply

1. What is kinetic energy?

Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. It is a scalar quantity, meaning it only has magnitude and no direction.

2. How is kinetic energy different from potential energy?

Kinetic energy is the energy an object has while in motion, while potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or configuration. Kinetic energy can be converted into potential energy and vice versa.

3. What is the equation for calculating kinetic energy?

The equation for calculating kinetic energy is KE = 1/2 * m * v^2, where KE is kinetic energy, m is the mass of the object, and v is the velocity of the object.

4. What factors affect an object's kinetic energy?

An object's kinetic energy is affected by its mass and velocity. The greater the mass and velocity of the object, the greater its kinetic energy will be.

5. How is kinetic energy related to work?

Kinetic energy is directly related to work, as work is defined as the transfer of energy. When a force is applied to an object and it moves, work is done on the object and its kinetic energy increases.

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