How is kinetic energy defined, and how is it calculated?

Kinetic energy is defined as the energy that an object possesses due to its motion. The formula for calculating kinetic energy is given by the equation KE = 1/2 mv², where "m" represents the mass of the object and "v" represents its velocity. This equation is derived from the work-energy principle, which states that the work done on an object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy.

In the formula, the 1/2 factor arises due to the integration of the force (which is mass times acceleration) with respect to distance, assuming constant acceleration. The square of the velocity indicates that kinetic energy increases with the square of speed; thus, if the velocity of an object doubles, its kinetic energy increases by a factor of four.

Understanding kinetic energy in this way emphasizes that it is directly tied to the motion of an object, not to its rest state, potential energy, or any work done along a distance without consideration of velocity.