Kinetic and Gravitational Potential Energy

In this lesson you will learn how to calculate the kinetic energy of moving objects and the gravitational potential energy of objects at height. These two energy stores are among the most commonly examined calculations in the AQA GCSE Physics specification (Section 4.1).

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Kinetic Energy

Kinetic energy is the energy stored in the movement of an object. Any object that is moving has kinetic energy. The faster it moves and the more massive it is, the more kinetic energy it has.

The Kinetic Energy Equation

The kinetic energy of a moving object can be calculated using:

E_k = 0.5 x m x v^2

Where:

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

Quantity	Symbol	Unit
Kinetic energy	E_k	joules (J)
Mass	m	kilograms (kg)
Speed	v	metres per second (m/s)