Energy is the quantitative property that is transferred to a body or to a physical system, recognizable in the performance of work and in the form of heat and light.
1. Kinetic Energy Formula
KE = ½ × m × v²
Because velocity is squared, doubling your driving speed quadruples the kinetic energy (and vehicle braking stopping distance) of your car!
2. Gravitational Potential Energy
PE = m × g × h
Where g = 9.80665 m/s², mass m is in kg, and height h is in meters above reference datum.
Frequently Asked Questions
The kinetic energy equation is quadratic: KE = 0.5 × m × v². If velocity increases from 30 mph to 60 mph (2x), the energy becomes (2)² = 4 times higher. At 90 mph (3x), energy is 9 times higher.
Momentum (p = mv) is a vector quantity conserved in collisions that describes how hard it is to stop a moving object. Kinetic energy (KE = ½mv²) is a scalar property measuring the capacity to perform mechanical work or cause deformation upon impact.
One kilowatt-hour equals exactly 3,600,000 Joules (3.6 megajoules).