Energy Calculator - Kinetic and Potential Energy

This physics calculator helps you calculate kinetic energy, potential energy, and total mechanical energy. Energy is a fundamental concept in physics that describes the ability to do work.

Types of Energy

• Kinetic Energy: Energy of motion (KE = ½mv²)
• Potential Energy: Energy of position (PE = mgh)
• Mechanical Energy: Sum of kinetic and potential energy
• Conservation: Total energy remains constant in isolated systems

Energy Formulas

• Kinetic Energy: KE = ½mv² (mass × velocity² ÷ 2)
• Gravitational Potential Energy: PE = mgh (mass × gravity × height)
• Total Mechanical Energy: E = KE + PE
• Work-Energy Theorem: W = ΔKE (work equals change in kinetic energy)

Energy Units

• Joule (J): SI unit of energy
• Kilojoule (kJ): 1 kJ = 1000 J
• Calorie (cal): 1 cal = 4.184 J
• Kilocalorie (kcal): 1 kcal = 1000 cal (food energy)
• Electron Volt (eV): 1 eV = 1.602×10⁻¹⁹ J

Applications

• Mechanics: Motion analysis and collision studies
• Engineering: Machine design and efficiency calculations
• Sports: Athletic performance and equipment design
• Transportation: Vehicle efficiency and safety analysis
• Physics: Conservation of energy problems

Energy Conservation

• Law of Conservation: Energy cannot be created or destroyed
• Energy Transformation: Energy can change forms
• Efficiency: Useful energy output ÷ total energy input
• Losses: Energy lost to friction, heat, sound, etc.

Important Notes

• Kinetic energy depends on velocity squared
• Potential energy depends on height and gravity
• Energy is always positive
• Energy can be transferred between objects
• Energy can be converted between different forms

Energy Examples

• Falling Object: PE converts to KE
• Pendulum: PE ↔ KE conversion
• Spring: Elastic potential energy
• Collision: KE transfer between objects
• Roller Coaster: PE ↔ KE throughout the ride

Energy Relationships

• Work: W = Fd (force × distance)
• Power: P = E/t (energy ÷ time)
• Momentum: p = mv (mass × velocity)
• Force: F = ma (mass × acceleration)