Road Safety:
- Speed limits — set based on the KE that would need to be absorbed in a crash
- Braking distance — increases with v² (double speed = 4× braking distance for the KE part)
- Crumple zones — convert KE to work done deforming metal (protects passengers)
Energy Conservation:
- Falling objects — GPE converts to KE (use to find impact speed)
- Roller coasters — trade GPE for KE and back again
- Pendulums — KE maximum at bottom, GPE maximum at top
Quick Check: A 0.2 kg ball moves at 6 m/s. Calculate its kinetic energy.
E_k = ½mv² = ½ × 0.2 × 6² = ½ × 0.2 × 36 = 0.1 × 36 = 3.6 J
This key facts covers Real-World Applications 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 8 of 15 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
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.