Physics Tool
Kinetic Energy Calculator
Calculate the energy of an object in motion.
Energy (Joules)
875.00 J
Total Calories
209.13 cal
Watt-Hours
0.2431 Wh
Σ The Formula
K_e = 1/2 mv²
Real World Examples
Sprinting Human
A 70kg person running at 5 m/s has 875 Joules of kinetic energy.
Driving Car
A 1500kg car at 30 m/s (67 mph) has 675,000 Joules.
# About This Calculator
Kinetic Energy (KE) is the energy of motion. It answers the question: "How much damage would this object do if it hit a wall?"
The formula is KE = 0.5 × mass × velocity².
Why Speed Kills
Notice that velocity is squared. This is critical in physics and safety:
- Double the Mass → Double the Energy (Linear).
- Double the Speed → Quadruple the Energy (Exponential).
This is why a car crash at 60 mph is 4 times more destructive than one at 30 mph, not just twice as bad.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Joule?+
A Joule (J) is the standard unit of energy. It is defined as the work done by a force of one newton causing a displacement of one meter. Roughly, it's the energy needed to lift an apple (100g) one meter.
How do I convert Joules to Calories?+
1 Calorie (technically kcal, used in food) = 4,184 Joules. So 4000 Joules is roughly 1 food Calorie.
Can Kinetic Energy be negative?+
No. Mass is always positive, and velocity squared (v²) is always positive. Therefore, KE is always ≥ 0.
Does direction matter?+
No. Kinetic Energy is a scalar quantity. A car moving North at 50mph has the same KE as a car moving South at 50mph.
Is Kinetic Energy Calculator free to use?+
Yes, Kinetic Energy Calculator on Matheric is completely free to use. We believe in accessible education and utility for everyone.
How accurate is Kinetic Energy Calculator?+
We use standard mathematical formulas and high-precision computing algorithms to ensure results for Kinetic Energy Calculator are accurate for academic and professional use.