The Definition of Kinetic Energy

Newton's cradle toy
Newton's cradle is a classic toy that shows kinetic and potential energy as well as conservation of energy. Influx Productions/Getty Images
By
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Chemistry Expert
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
  • B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
Learn about our Editorial Process
Updated on February 03, 2019

Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. An object of mass m moving at velocity v has a kinetic energy equal to ½mv2.

Woman leaping through the air in phases
Read More
Unlocking Potential Energy: Gravity to Elasticity
By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.

Example

An example of kinetic energy is a swinging pendulum.

Format
mla apa chicago
Your Citation
Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "The Definition of Kinetic Energy." ThoughtCo, Jun. 25, 2024, thoughtco.com/definition-of-kinetic-energy-604552. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2024, June 25). The Definition of Kinetic Energy. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-kinetic-energy-604552 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "The Definition of Kinetic Energy." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-kinetic-energy-604552 (accessed July 20, 2024).