Kinetic Energy Calculator

Calculate the kinetic energy of objects in motion based on mass and velocity. Includes relativistic effects for high-speed calculations in physics applications.

Mass

Velocity

About Kinetic Energy Calculator

Understanding Kinetic Energy

Kinetic energy is the energy that an object possesses due to its motion. The amount of kinetic energy depends on both the mass of the object and its velocity squared, making it a crucial concept in physics and engineering applications. The modern formulation was developed by William Thomson (Lord Kelvin) and William Rankine in the 19th century, establishing the foundation for classical mechanics energy calculations.

Mathematical Foundation

KE = ½mv²
v = √(2KE/m)
m = 2KE/v²
Relativistic KE = mc²(γ - 1)

KE = Kinetic Energy (Joules)
m = Mass (kilograms)
v = Velocity (meters/second)
c = Speed of light
γ = Lorentz factor = 1/√(1-v²/c²)

Types of Kinetic Energy

Translational:

Linear motion - Movement in a straight line
Center of mass movement
Particle dynamics
Projectile motion

Rotational:

Angular momentum
Moment of inertia
Spinning objects
Gyroscopic effects

Energy Conservation

Mechanical Energy:

KE + PE = constant
Energy transformations
Work-energy theorem
Conservative forces

Energy Dissipation:

Friction effects
Heat generation
Inelastic collisions
Energy loss mechanisms

Applications

Transportation:

Vehicle dynamics
Impact analysis
Braking systems
Aerodynamics

Engineering:

Machine design
Structural analysis
Energy storage
Power generation

Sports Science:

Projectile sports
Athletic performance
Equipment design
Injury prevention

Special Considerations

Relativistic Effects:

High-speed corrections
Mass-energy equivalence
Lorentz transformations
Particle physics

Quantum Effects:

Wave-particle duality
Uncertainty principle
Energy quantization
Quantum tunneling

Learn More

Kinetic Energy Conservation of Energy Work in Physics