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.
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 topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. 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.
Practice questions for Kinetic Energy
Which of the following objects has kinetic energy stored in its kinetic energy store?
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.