What is the definition of kinetic energy?

Prepare for the NCEA Level 2 Physics Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Kinetic energy is defined as the energy an object possesses due to its motion. This means that any object that is moving, whether it is a car driving down the road, a ball thrown through the air, or even a person running, has kinetic energy. The amount of kinetic energy an object has depends on its mass and the speed at which it is moving. This is expressed by the formula:

[

KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2

]

where (m) is the mass of the object and (v) is its velocity. The faster an object moves or the larger its mass, the greater its kinetic energy will be.

The other options do not describe kinetic energy accurately. Energy stored in a spring refers to elastic potential energy, energy transferred during work can encompass various forms of energy, and energy from potential energy relates more to the position of an object in a gravitational field rather than its motion. Hence, the correct definition of kinetic energy is specifically tied to the motion of an object.

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