Kinetic Energy Calculator

Calculate Kinetic Energy, Mass, or Velocity with different units. Select the calculation type and units for each input.

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Result:

Kinetic Energy Calculator: Instantly Find KE, Mass, or Velocity

A Kinetic Energy Calculator is a powerful tool that helps users calculate kinetic energy (KE), mass, or velocity with precision. By simply inputting two known values, the calculator quickly determines the third using the standard kinetic energy formula. This tool is widely used in physics, engineering, sports science, and education to simplify K.E. calculations.

As a physicist with a PhD in Physics, I have dedicated my career to developing accurate and user-friendly scientific tools. The Kinetic Energy Calculator is one such tool designed to help students, researchers, and professionals perform quick and precise calculations.

What is Kinetic Energy?

Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion. It depends on the object’s mass and velocity. The faster and heavier an object is, the more kinetic energy it has.

In physics, kinetic energy is a scalar quantity measured in Joules (J). The concept is vital in understanding motion, work, and energy transfer in real-world scenarios, such as moving vehicles, falling objects, and even molecular motion in gases.

Kinetic Energy Formula

The mathematical expression for kinetic energy is:

KE = 1 2 × m × v 2

Where:

  • KE = Kinetic Energy (Joules, J)
  • m = Mass (kilograms, kg)
  • v = Velocity (meters per second, m/s)

This formula states that kinetic energy is directly proportional to mass and the square of velocity. A small increase in velocity significantly boosts kinetic energy.

Important Points:

  • More mass = More kinetic energy
  • Higher velocity = Exponentially more kinetic energy
  • Kinetic energy is always positive
  • Measured in Joules (J)

Find Gravitational Potential Energy For any object using our Gravitational Potential Energy Calculator.

How to Calculate Kinetic Energy Using Our K.E. Calculator?

Using the Kinetic Energy Calculator is simple and efficient. Follow these steps:

  1. Select Calculation Type: Choose whether you want to find KE, mass, or velocity.
  2. Enter Values: Input the known values, such as mass and velocity.
  3. Select Units: Pick the preferred units for mass and velocity.
  4. Click Calculate: The calculator will instantly compute the missing value.
  5. View Results: The result is displayed in multiple unit conversions for easy interpretation.

This tool eliminates manual calculations and ensures quick, error-free results.

Kinetic Energy Calculator

Calculate Potential Energy using our Potential Energy Calculator.

How Does the Kinetic Energy Calculator Work?

The calculator operates using the standard kinetic energy formula:

  • When solving for KE: It computes using KE = 1 2 × m × v 2
  • When solving for Mass (m): It rearranges the equation to m = 2 × KE v 2
  • When solving for Velocity (v): It computes v = 2 × KE m

Additionally, the tool incorporates unit conversion so users can input values in kilograms, grams, pounds, joules, calories, meters per second, or miles per hour, ensuring flexibility and ease of use.

Developed with a strong foundation in physics and engineering principles, this calculator follows precise mathematical models to compute kinetic energy. As a PhD in Physics, I have ensured that the formulas and unit conversions are implemented correctly for real-world applications.

Kinetic Energy of Different Objects

ObjectMass (kg)Speed (m/s)Kinetic Energy (J)
Baseball0.14540116
Car150020300,000
Bullet0.01400800
Human Running705875
Airplane180,0002505,625,000,000

This table demonstrates how Kinetic Energy varies significantly based on mass and velocity.

Kinetic Energy Units

UnitSymbolConversion
JouleJBase unit (SI Unit)
KilojoulekJ1 kJ = 1000 J
Foot-poundft-lb1 ft-lb = 1.35582 J
Caloriecal1 cal = 4.184 J

These units help in expressing K.E. in different measurement systems.

Find Electric Potential Energy for any type of material using our Electric Potential Energy Calculator.

Examples of Kinetic Energy

Example 1: Moving Car

A car with a mass of 1200 kg is moving at a speed of 15 m/s. Find its kinetic energy.

KE = 1 2 × 1200 × 15 2

KE = 135,000 J

Example 2: A Running Athlete

A 70 kg athlete runs at 6 m/s. Find the kinetic energy.

KE = 1 2 × 70 × 6 2

KE = 1,260 J

Solved Problems

Problem 1: Bullet Fired

A bullet of mass 10g moves at 400 m/s. Find its kinetic energy.

Solution:

KE = 0.5 × 0.01 × 400² = 800 J

Problem 2: A Falling Rock

A rock of mass 5 kg falls at 10 m/s. Find the KE.

Solution:

KE = 0.5 × 5 × 10² = 250 J

Compute the values of Elastic Potential Energy using our Elastic Potential Energy Calculator.

About the Creator

Dr. Evren Frost

Dr. Evren Frost | PhD in Physics

I am a physicist with a passion for creating educational tools that simplify physics concepts for students. With years of experience in research and teaching, I have designed this platform to help learners understand and solve complicated scientific problems effortlessly.

Conclusion

The Kinetic Energy Calculator is a simple yet powerful tool that allows users to quickly find KE, mass, or velocity. Whether for physics students, engineers, or researchers, it simplifies complex calculations and provides accurate results in multiple unit conversions.

Having spent years studying physics, I understand the challenges students face with energy calculations. That’s why I developed this tool, to simplify complex kinetic energy equations and make physics more accessible to everyone.

FAQs

Can kinetic energy be negative?

No, kinetic energy is always positive because it is proportional to the square of velocity.

What happens to KE when speed doubles?

Kinetic energy increases four times since it depends on the square of velocity.

Is KE the same in space?

Yes, kinetic energy applies universally, including in space, where objects in motion still possess KE.

Who developed the Kinetic Energy Calculator?

The K.E. calculator was designed by Dr. Evren Frost, a physicist with a PhD in Physics, who is passionate about creating tools to help students master physics concepts easily.