EnergyDefinitions

Key Definitions

Part of Kinetic EnergyGCSE Physics

This definitions covers Key Definitions within Kinetic Energy for GCSE Physics. Revise Kinetic Energy in Energy for GCSE Physics with 15 exam-style questions and 30 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 9 of 15 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.

Topic position

Section 9 of 15

Practice

15 questions

Recall

30 flashcards

📖 Key Definitions

Kinetic energy: The energy stored in a moving object. E_k = ½mv². Units: Joules (J).

Mass: The amount of matter in an object. Measured in kilograms (kg). Do not confuse with weight (which is a force in Newtons).

Velocity: Speed in a particular direction. Measured in metres per second (m/s). Must be squared in the KE equation.

Work-energy theorem: The work done on an object equals the change in its kinetic energy. W = ΔE_k.

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Kinetic Energy. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Practice Questions for Kinetic Energy

Which of the following objects has kinetic energy stored in its kinetic energy store?

  • A. A book sitting on a shelf
  • B. A stretched elastic band
  • C. A car moving along a road
  • D. A battery connected to nothing
1 markfoundation

A car travels at 20 m/s. The driver then doubles their speed to 40 m/s. Explain what happens to the kinetic energy of the car and by what factor it changes.

2 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

What is kinetic energy?
The energy stored in any object due to its motion. If it's moving, it has kinetic energy.
Kinetic energy equation?
Ek = ½mv² where m = mass (kg), v = velocity (m/s), Ek = kinetic energy (J)

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