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.
🚗 Real-World Applications
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
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.