Examples of Kinetic Energy

Kinetic energy is the energy of motion. It is also referred to as energy in motion, or as the work required to take an object from being at rest to action/movement. Mathematically, kinetic energy is calculated as ½ of the mass of a body, multiplied by the speed of the body squared, KE=1/2 mv^2.

Where Did the Kinetic Energy Term Originate?

The term originated with the Greek words kinesis (motion) and energeia (active work). Put together, the two words translate to “Through motion do active work.” More simply, any thing, body, object, etc that has mass and is moving has some type of kinetic energy.

How is Energy Transferred?

One of the underlying concepts behind kinetic energy is understanding how work transfers energy from one form to another. When a mass or body is not moving, (at rest) it is considered to have potential energy. When force or work is applied to this object, the potential energy becomes kinetic. Once transferred, the kinetic energy of an object may be converted to other forms such as potential, gravitational, or elastic energy.

What Are the Types of Kinetic Energy?

There are two types of kinetic energy, translational and rotational. Translational kinetic energy is contained or possessed by a body that is undergoing straight-line motion. Rotational kinetic energy is energy contained in a rotating object.

What Are Some Examples of Kinetic Energy?

Any object that is moving has kinetic energy. Some examples of kinetic energy are:

– A planet rotating around the sun
– A moving vehicle
– Water flowing in a river or falling down a waterfall
– Electrons moving about a nucleus
– A person walking or running
– A child typing on a computer
– An airplane flying
– A person swimming
– A crawling baby
There are thousands of examples. To determine whether an object has kinetic energy, simply remember that any object in motion has some level of kinetic energy.