This topic summary covers Topic Summary: 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 15 of 15 in this topic. Use this topic summary to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 15 of 15
Practice
15 questions
Recall
30 flashcards
Topic Summary: Kinetic Energy
Key Terms
- Kinetic energy: energy stored in a moving object
- Mass: amount of matter, in kg
- Velocity: speed with direction, in m/s
- Work-energy theorem: work done = change in KE
Key Equation
- E_k = ½mv²
- Rearranged: m = 2E_k / v²
- Rearranged: v = √(2E_k / m)
- Units: J, kg, m/s
Key Facts
- KE ∝ mass (directly proportional)
- KE ∝ velocity² (squared relationship!)
- Double speed = 4× KE; triple speed = 9× KE
- KE transfers to thermal when object stops
Exam Tips
- Never forget the ½ or the squared on v
- Mass in kg, velocity in m/s — convert first
- Square root the result when finding v
- KE = GPE for falling objects problems