What is the difference between Kinetic Energy and Speed?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concepts of speed and kinetic energy. One person expresses confusion about the difference between the two, while the other person explains that speed and kinetic energy are not the same and gives an example to illustrate this. It is also mentioned that both speed and kinetic energy can be measured per gram.
  • #1
Shardul Khare
23
0
I know the formulae,but really don't understand the difference
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Shardul Khare said:
I know the formulae
That is the difference.
 
  • #3
Speed the distance traveled in unit time.

KE is the ability to do work.

I'd rather be hit by an object with a lot of speed than one with a lot of energy.
 
  • Like
Likes sophiecentaur and anorlunda
  • #4
Shardul Khare said:
I know the formulae,but really don't understand the difference
A pea and an express train may be traveling at the same 'speed' but you know which one has more KE. What is the essential difference between to two projectiles?
PS They both have the same Kinetic Energy per gram.
 

Question 1: What is kinetic energy?

Kinetic energy is the energy that an object possesses due to its motion.

Question 2: What is speed?

Speed is a measure of how fast an object is moving, usually measured in meters per second (m/s) or kilometers per hour (km/h).

Question 3: What is the relationship between kinetic energy and speed?

Kinetic energy and speed are directly proportional to each other. This means that as the speed of an object increases, its kinetic energy also increases.

Question 4: Can an object have kinetic energy without having speed?

No, an object must have some form of motion in order to possess kinetic energy. However, the speed of the object can be very small and still have kinetic energy.

Question 5: How is kinetic energy different from potential energy?

Kinetic energy is the energy an object has due to its motion, while potential energy is the energy an object has due to its position or state. Kinetic energy is associated with the movement of an object, while potential energy is associated with the potential for movement.

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
16
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
764
Replies
1
Views
704
  • Mechanics
Replies
11
Views
913
Replies
8
Views
817
Replies
13
Views
1K
Replies
12
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
812
Back
Top