Kinetic Energy Calculator
Calculate kinetic energy from mass and velocity with KE = 1/2 m v squared, in joules, kilojoules, calories and foot-pounds. Example: a 1,000 kg car at 20 m/s has 200,000 joules of kinetic energy.
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Show steps
How to use the Kinetic Energy Calculator
- Enter the mass and choose its unit.
- Enter the velocity and choose its unit.
- Press Calculate to see energy in several units.
Formula and method
Kinetic energy KE = 1/2 x m x v^2, with mass in kilograms and velocity in meters per second, giving joules. 1 kcal = 4,184 J and 1 ft-lb = 1.3558 J.
Worked example: 1,000 kg at 20 m/s
| Step | Result |
|---|---|
| v squared | 400 |
| 1/2 x 1,000 x 400 | 200,000 J |
| In kilojoules | 200 kJ |
| In kilocalories | 47.80 kcal |
Kinetic energy of a 1,500 kg car by speed
| Speed | m/s | Energy |
|---|---|---|
| 20 mph | 8.9 | 60 kJ |
| 30 mph | 13.4 | 135 kJ |
| 45 mph | 20.1 | 304 kJ |
| 60 mph | 26.8 | 540 kJ |
| 75 mph | 33.5 | 843 kJ |
Energy and speed
Because energy depends on velocity squared, going from 30 to 60 mph quadruples the energy a car must shed to stop. This is why high-speed crashes are far more severe.
Frequently asked questions
What is kinetic energy?
The energy an object has because of its motion.
What is the kinetic energy formula?
KE = 1/2 m v squared.
What are the units?
Joules when mass is in kg and velocity in m/s.
Does doubling speed double energy?
No. It quadruples it.
How is it different from potential energy?
Potential energy is stored by position; kinetic energy is motion.
What is momentum?
Mass times velocity.
Sources
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