Kinetic Energy Equation (Integral Form)
Reference from the original Physics I textbook.
- Kinetic Energy Equation (Integral Form)
For constant mass, the change in kinetic energy is ΔK = ∫[v₁→v₂] mv dv = ½m(v₂² − v₁²), where v is scalar speed.
In vector form, ΔK = ∫[v⃗₁→v⃗₂] p⃗ · dv⃗. To find K itself, choose zero kinetic energy at rest.
- Related Glossary Terms
- Index
Chapter 4 - FFR - Kinetic Energy
Chapter 4 - FFR - Kinetic Energy
Reviewed physics notes (2)
These corrections keep the original lesson’s purpose while fixing errors in the source edition.
- A definite integral from v₁ to v₂ is an energy change, not absolute energy. — Reference 1
- The vector integral needs a dot product. — Reference 1
Glossary and deeper reading · 1 refreshers
These editorial refreshers supplement the reading. Definitions and examples are added guidance; original source wording and recorded answers remain in their original context.
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Kinetic energy
Kinetic energy is energy associated with motion relative to a chosen reference frame. For a nonrelativistic translating object it is one half of its mass times speed squared. For example, doubling a cart’s speed quadruples its translational kinetic energy when its mass stays fixed.