DefinitionThe dictionary definition of kinetic energy is energy that a body possesses by virtue of being in motion. I think this means that when an object is in motion it has kinetic energy.
How To Calculate Kinetic EnergyThe equation to solve for kinetic energy is KE=1/2mv squared, where m is the mass of the object and v is the speed of the object. For example if a balls mass is 1 kilogram and its speed is 20 m/s then the equation you would use to solve for the balls kinetic energy would be KE=1/2(1kilogram)(20m/s) squared. So the balls kinetic energy would be 200 J.
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How Kinetic Energy is TransferredAn object transfers energy when it swings. When the object is at the highest point of its swing, it has no kinetic energy, but its gravitational potential energy is at a maximum. As the object swings downwards, potential energy is transferred to kinetic energy, and the object accelerates. At the bottom of its swing, the object's kinetic energy is at a maximum and its potential energy is at a minimum. As the object swings upwards, its kinetic energy is transferred to potential energy again. At the top of its swing, it once again has no kinetic energy, but its gravitational potential energy is at a maximum. The object's swing will become lower with each swing, because some energy is also transferred as heat to the surroundings.
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