What is kinetic energy?

Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. It depends on both the mass and the square of the velocity: KE = 1/2 mv².

What units does kinetic energy use?

Kinetic energy is measured in joules (J) when mass is in kilograms (kg) and velocity is in metres per second (m/s). 1 J = 1 kg·m²/s².

Why is velocity squared in the formula?

Velocity is squared because kinetic energy is derived from the work-energy theorem. Doubling the speed quadruples the energy, which is why high-speed impacts are so much more destructive.

Can kinetic energy be negative?

No. Mass is always positive and velocity is squared, so kinetic energy is always zero or positive. An object at rest has zero kinetic energy.

What is the difference between kinetic and potential energy?

Kinetic energy is the energy of motion (KE = 1/2 mv²), while potential energy is stored energy due to position or configuration (e.g., gravitational PE = mgh). Together they form mechanical energy.

SCIScience

Kinetic Energy

Calculate kinetic energy from mass and velocity using KE = 1/2 mv². Get instant results in joules for any moving object.

Mass

Velocity

m/s

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How It Works

Formula

KE = \frac{1}{2} m v^2

Where

$KE$: Kinetic energy(J)
$m$: Mass(kg)
$v$: Velocity(m/s)

Enter the mass of the object in kilograms and its velocity in metres per second. The calculator applies KE = 1/2 mv² to return the kinetic energy in joules.

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