Kinetic Energy Calculator
Classical & Relativistic Physics | Fast unit conversions | Visual energy equivalents
Object Parameters
Calculator Output
The calculated kinetic energy will appear here after you input your parameters and click "Calculate".
Physics Background
-
Classical Kinetic Energy formula:
KEclassical = ½ × m × v²
Where m is mass and v is velocity. -
Relativistic Kinetic Energy formula:
KErelativistic = (γ - 1) × m × c²
Where γ = 1 / √(1 - v²/c²) and c is the speed of light.
Useful for objects approaching the speed of light.
Work-Energy Theorem
The work-energy theorem states that the net work done by forces on an object equals its change in kinetic energy. Energy is never lost, just transformed — a cornerstone of conservation of energy in physics.
Kinetic Energy in Real Life
- Walking/Jogging: A person with 70 kg moving at 2 m/s has KE ≈ 140 J (enough to illuminate a 10W LED bulb for 14 seconds).
- Car Crash: Cars at high speeds store huge KE, emphasizing safe driving.
- Subatomic Particles: Even a single proton in a collider can have KE measured in billions of electronvolts (GeV).
Energy Equivalent Examples
| Event / Object | Approx. Energy |
|---|---|
| 1 cal (food calorie) | 4.184 J |
| AA battery (stored) | ~9,360 J |
| 1 stick of dynamite | ~1 MJ (1,000,000 J) |
| Kilogram dropped from 10m | ~98 J |
| 1 kWh (electricity) | 3,600,000 J |
| 1 gram TNT explosion | 4,184 J |
Kinetic Energy Concepts (Video)
Sample video: Replace with kinetic energy explainer or animation for educational use.