Kinetic energy is a type of energy that is related to the movement of bodies.
The result of kinetic energy is intrinsically linked to the value of object mass and yours movement speed.
For example, if two objects have the same speed but different masses, the body with the heaviest mass will have the most kinetic energy.
Normally, for an object to gain initial movement, it is necessary to apply a force that drives it (this action is known in Physics as “Work”).
According to the Kinetic Energy Theorem, "the work of the resulting force is measured by the variation of kinetic energy".
The universal equation of Kinetic Energy is as follows:
- m = mass
- v = speed
- Ec = Kinetic Energy
According to the International System of Units, kinetic energy is measured in joules (J), in reference to the English scientist James Prescott Joule.
For Physics, kinetic energy is part of the concept of Mechanical Energy, which also includes other energy models, such as Elastic Potential and Gravitational Potential, for example.
See also the meaning of Thermal energy.
Kinetic Energy and Potential Energy
They are inversely proportional. Unlike kinetic energy, which expends energy to perform movement, potential energy consists of storage of this energy.
The “stored” (potential) energy can later manifest itself as kinetic energy, from the moment a certain (“energized”) body begins to move.
