AQA GCSE Kinetic energy

Kinetic energy is the energy stored in a moving object.

Kinetic energy depends on mass of an object and the speed.

Kinetic energy, E_k = ½ x mass x speed²

Kinetic energy (Joules, J)

Mass (kilograms,kg)

Speed (m/s)

If mass increases, so will kinetic energy. They are directly proportional to each other.

As the speed of an object increases then the velocity will increase by the square of the increase to the speed. If the speed is doubled, then the velocity will increase by a factor of 4. This is because 2² = 4 This effect happens becuase speed is a squared quantity in the kinetic energy equation.

You use the rearrangements directly, or if you want to use the triangle, you can. Just remember when using the triangle, if you want speed you will need to square root at the end. The triangle will give v². Unless you square root at final stage.