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Kinetic Energy (Edexcel GCSE Physics)

Revision Note

Leander Oates

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Kinetic Energy

 

  • Energy in an object's kinetic store is defined as:

    The amount of energy an object has as a result of its mass and speed

  • This means that any object in motion has energy in its kinetic energy store

Kinetic Energy Car, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

  • Kinetic energy can be calculated using the equation:

K E space equals space 1 half space cross times space m space cross times space v squared

  • Where:

    • KE = kinetic energy in joules (J)

    • m = mass of the object in kilograms (kg)

    • v = speed of the object in metres per second (m/s)

Worked Example

Calculate the kinetic energy stored in a vehicle of mass 1200 kg moving at a speed of 27 m/s.

Answer: 

Step 1: List the known quantities

  • Mass of the vehicle, m = 1200 kg

  • Speed of the vehicle, v = 27 m/s

Step 2: Write down the equation for kinetic energy

K E space equals space 1 half space cross times space m space cross times space v squared

Step 3: Calculate the kinetic energy

K E space equals space 1 half space cross times space 1200 space cross times space open parentheses 27 close parentheses squared

K E space equals space 437 space 400 space straight J

Step 4: Round the final answer to 2 significant figures

K E space equals space 440 space 000 space straight J

Examiner Tips and Tricks

When performing calculations using the kinetic energy equation, always double-check that you have squared the speed. Forgetting to do this is the most common mistake that students make.

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    Leander Oates

    Author: Leander Oates

    Expertise: Physics

    Leander graduated with First-class honours in Science and Education from Sheffield Hallam University. She won the prestigious Lord Robert Winston Solomon Lipson Prize in recognition of her dedication to science and teaching excellence. After teaching and tutoring both science and maths students, Leander now brings this passion for helping young people reach their potential to her work at SME.