Kinetic Energy

This lesson covers the kinetic energy store and how to calculate kinetic energy using the equation $KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$KE=21​mv2, as required by the Edexcel GCSE Combined Science specification (1SC0). You will also explore how changes in mass and speed affect kinetic energy.

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What Is Kinetic Energy?

Kinetic energy (KE) is the energy stored in a moving object. Every object that is in motion has energy in its kinetic store.

• A moving car, a rolling ball and a flying bird all have kinetic energy.
• The faster an object moves, the more kinetic energy it has.
• The heavier an object is, the more kinetic energy it has at the same speed.

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The Kinetic Energy Equation

The kinetic energy of a moving object is calculated using:

$KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$KE=21​mv2

where:

• KE = kinetic energy in joules (J)
• m = mass in kilograms (kg)
• v = speed (or velocity) in metres per second (m/s)

Quantity	Unit	Symbol
Kinetic energy	joule	J
Mass	kilogram	kg
Speed	metres per second	m/s