Kinetic Energy - Definition, Examples, Formula, FAQs

Kinetic energy is the energy of motion, and it's a fundamental force that shapes our world. Whether it's a car speeding down the highway, a soccer ball flying through the air, or even the simple act of walking, kinetic energy is at play. It moves objects, tells us about their speed, and helps us understand the concept of momentum. By exploring kinetic energy, we can appreciate the beauty and simplicity of this powerful force and see how it influences our everyday lives

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This Story also Contains

1. Definition of Kinetic Energy
2. Kinetic Energy examples,
3. Formula of kinetic energy
4. Unit of Kinetic Energy
5. Types of kinetic energy
6. Difference between Kinetic Energy and Potential Energy
7. Solved Example Based On Kinetic Energy
8. Summary

In this article, we are going to study kinetic energy, how it depends on the frame of reference, the work-energy theorem, and its relationship with linear momentum. This topic falls under the broader category of work, energy, and power, which is a crucial chapter in Class 11 physics. It is not only essential for board exams but also for competitive exams like the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main), National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET), and other entrance exams such as SRMJEE, BITSAT, WBJEE, BCECE and more. Over the last ten years of the JEE Main exam (from 2013 to 2023), more than ten questions have been asked on this concept. And for NEET four questions were asked from this concept.

Let's read this entire article to gain an in-depth understanding of Kinetic energy.

Definition of Kinetic Energy

Kinetic energy meaning: it is the energy created by an object as a result of its motion. When an object is set to accelerate, it is imperative that specific forces be applied. Work is required to apply force, and once the work is completed, the energy is transmitted to the object, causing it to move at a constant velocity. The word kinetic meaning is something related or resulting from motion. The energy transferred is referred to as kinetic energy in this case, and it is dependent on speed and mass of the object.

Kinetic Energy definition

“The kinetic energy of an object is known as the energy obtained by the object because of its motion.”

Also read -

• NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Physics
• NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Physics
• NCERT Solutions for All Subjects

How does Kinetic Energy get transferred?

Kinetic energy is a type of energy that may be exchanged between objects and turned into other forms of energy. The yo-yo is an excellent illustration of kinetic energy transformation. When you first start playing with it, you should let it rest in your hand; at this time, all of the energy is stored in the ball as potential energy. When a person drops the yo-yo, the stored energy is converted into kinetic energy, or movement energy. All of the energy in the ball is transformed to kinetic energy once it reaches the bottom of the yo-yo. As it returns to the hand, all of the energy is transformed back to potential energy.

There is a ball (Image-1) that has potential energy, when we dropped the ball (Image-2) the ball started falling and now it has Kinetic Energy.

Learn kinetic Energy Better from the Given Video Below

Kinetic Energy examples,

Here are some daily-life examples of kinetic energy…

• Moving car
• Bullet from gun
• Throw of a ball
• Windmills
• Running

Formula of kinetic energy

The kinetic energy is given by the following formula

KE=1/2 MV²

Where M is the mass of the object, V is the velocity of the object and KE is kinetic energy.

Unit of Kinetic Energy

The SI unit of kinetic energy is the joule. 1 joule = Kg.m².s^-2

The CGS unit of kinetic energy is erg.

How can we calculate Kinetic Energy?

We know that work done is written as …

W= f.d = m.a.d ……….(1)

We know that v_f²-v_i² =2ad, d=(v_f² - v_i²)/2a

placing the value of ‘ d’ in equation(1)

Then.. W = m.a.(v_f² - v_i²)/2a

= 1/2 m(v_f² - v_i²)

= 1/2mv_f² -1/2mv_i²

Types of kinetic energy

Kinetic energy has five types

1. Radiant energy

It is a type of kinetic energy that is always in motion. Examples of radiant energy…

• Ultraviolet light
• Gamma rays
• Beta ray

2. Thermal energy

Thermal energy, often known as heat energy, is produced when atoms clash with each other. The following are some examples of thermal energy:

• The warmth of the sun
• A cup of hot milk
• Explosion of firecrackers

3. Sound energy

It is produced by vibrating an object, it always travels in the medium. It can’t travel vacuum. Examples of sound energy are:

• Tuning fork
• Beat of drum
• Sound of hor

4. Electrical energy

The free electrons, both positive and negative in charge, provide electrical energy. The following are some examples of electrical energy:

• Battery
• Lightning

5. Mechanical energy

The sum of kinetic energy and potential energy is known as mechanical energy.

Examples:

• A moving truck
• A rocket in orbit

Also Read:

• NCERT solutions for Class 11 Physics Chapter 6 Work, Energy and Power
• NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Physics Solutions Chapter 6 Work, Energy and Power
• NCERT notes Class 11 Physics Chapter 6 Work, Energy and Power

Difference between Kinetic Energy and Potential Energy

Solved Example Based On Kinetic Energy

Example 1: An athlete of mass 50kg in the Olympic games covers a distance of 100 m in 10 s. His kinetic energy can be estimated to be in the range

1) 2,000 J−5,000 J
2) 200 J−500 J
3) 2×105 J−3×105 J
4) 20000 J−50000 J

Solution:

Kinetic energy -

k=12mv2
wherein
m→ mass
v→ velocity

Kinetic energy is never negative

Initial velocity = 0

Final velocity = v_f

S=ut+12at2⇒100=0+12×a×100a=2 m/s2 Maximum speed (a) =20 m/s2 Maximum K.E. =12mv2=12×50×400=10,000 J

Maximum speed (a) =20 m/s2
Maximum K.E. =12mv2

If it runs with constant velocity v=10 m/s
Then K.E. =12×50×100=2500

So it lies between 2500 to 10,000 J.

Example 2: The average mass of raindrops is 3.0×10−5 kg and their average terminal velocity is 9 m/s. Calculate the energy transferred by rain to each square metre of the surface at a place which receives 100 cm of rain in a year.
3. 5×105 J
2) 4.05×104 J
3) 3.0×105 J
4) 9.0×104 J

Solution:

Total volume of water in 1 m2 area =1 m2×100 cm=1 m3
Total mass in 1 m2 area =ρv=103×1Kg=103Kg
Kinetic energy =1/2×103×92=4.05×104 J

Hence, the answer is option (2).

Example 3: A mass of M kg is suspended by a weightless string. The horizontal force that is required to displace it until the string makes an angle of 45^o with the initial vertical direction is :

1) Mg(2−1)
2) Mg(2+1)
3) mg(2)
4) mg2

Solution:

Net work done by all the forces gives the change in kinetic energy -

W=12mv2−12mv02W=kf−ki
wherein
m= mass of the body
v0= initial velocity
v= final velocity

Height rises by the ball =L−L2
distance travelled in the direction of F=L2
(KE)ii=0 and (KE)f=0

Since kinetic energy change = net Work done

Therefore work done
=F⋅L2−mg(L−L2)=0

Therefore
F=mg(2−1)

Hence, the answer is option (1).

Summary

To sum up, kinetic energy is one of the most important concepts in physics that describes how much a moving thing is carrying. It is very helpful for us to understand and analyze all sorts of physical systems and events. By studying this type of energy we can predict how anything that moves will act, starting from atoms through planes to planets. The law of conservation of kinetic energy during elastic collisions simplifies the study of interactions between objects in idealized systems, while the dissipation of this form of energy into others during inelastic collisions helps explain some natural phenomena like heating, deformation or sound production. The comprehension of kinetic energy can be necessary to construct and optimize different technologies including transport means, machines and sports facilities. Thus, even though there are diverse ways to conserve or transform energies, kinetic power remains a major component that underlies many principles and applications available in physics and engineering in general.