Kinetic energy is the energy of motion, observable as the movement of an object, particle, or set of particles.
Definition
The kinetic energy of an object is the measure of the work an object can do by virtue of its motion. Kinetic energy is a scalar quantity, and it is entirely described by magnitude alone.
The Formula for Kinetic Energy
KE=1/2 mv2
Where KE is the kinetic energy,
m is the body’s mass
v is the body’s velocity.
Unit of kinetic energy
The SI unit of kinetic energy is Joule which is equal to 1 kg.m2.s-2.
The CGS unit of kinetic energy is erg.
Examples
Some examples of Kinetic Energy are:
- A truck moving down the road has more kinetic energy than a car travelling at the same speed because the truck’s mass is much more than the car’s.
- A river flowing at a definite speed comprises kinetic energy as water has certain velocity and mass.
- As the heating components inside the toaster get more heated, they emit radiant energy that heats and toasts the bread.
- A bullet flying through the air is literally moving. This energy is then transferred to the object the bullet hits in the form of damage.
