This key facts covers Key Facts — Kinetic Energy 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 3 of 15 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 3 of 15
Practice
15 questions
Recall
30 flashcards
📚 Key Facts — Kinetic Energy
What it is: The energy stored in any object due to its motion. If it's moving, it has kinetic energy.
Key relationships:
- KE ∝ mass (m) — doubling mass doubles KE (directly proportional)
- KE ∝ velocity² (v²) — doubling velocity QUADRUPLES KE
- The ½ factor comes from the calculus of integrating F = ma
Units:
- Kinetic Energy — Joules (J)
- Mass — Kilograms (kg) — NOT grams!
- Velocity — Metres per second (m/s) — NOT km/h or mph!
💡 CRITICAL: The ½ in the equation is essential. Forgetting it will double your answer! Also, square the velocity FIRST before multiplying by mass.