Which is the correct equation for calculating the kinetic energy of an object?
[tex]KE=mgh[/tex] [tex]KE=\frac{1}{2}mv^2[/tex] [tex]KE=\frac{1}{2}at^2[/tex] [tex]KE=\frac{1}{4}g^2[/tex]
Answer (1)
Kinetic energy is the energy of motion.
The formula for kinetic energy is K E = 2 1 m v 2 , where m is mass and v is velocity.
Comparing the options, the correct equation is K E = 2 1 m v 2 .
Explanation
Understanding the Problem The question asks us to identify the correct formula for kinetic energy from a list of options. Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion.
Recalling the Formula The formula for kinetic energy is given by: K E = 2 1 m v 2 where:
KE is the kinetic energy,
m is the mass of the object,
v is the velocity of the object.
Comparing Options Now, let's compare the given options with the correct formula:
K E = m g h (Potential Energy)
K E = 2 1 m v 2 (Kinetic Energy)
K E = 2 1 a t 2 (Incorrect)
K E = 4 1 g 2 (Incorrect)
Identifying the Correct Equation The correct equation for calculating the kinetic energy of an object is: K E = 2 1 m v 2
Examples
Understanding kinetic energy is crucial in many real-world scenarios. For instance, when designing vehicles, engineers must consider the kinetic energy involved in collisions to ensure safety. Similarly, in sports, understanding how kinetic energy is transferred from a bat to a ball helps athletes optimize their performance. Even in renewable energy, kinetic energy is harnessed from wind or water to generate electricity, showcasing its importance in sustainable technologies.
