Kinetic Energy (Edexcel GCSE Physics): Revision Note

Calculate the kinetic energy stored in a vehicle of mass 1200 kg moving at a speed of 27 m/s.

Answer: 

Step 1: List the known quantities

• Mass of the vehicle, m = 1200 kg

• Speed of the vehicle, v = 27 m/s

Step 2: Write down the equation for kinetic energy

$KE=\frac{1}{2}\times m\times v^2$

Step 3: Calculate the kinetic energy

$KE=\frac{1}{2}\times 1200\times {\left(27\right)}^2$

$KE=437400\mathrm{J}$

Step 4: Round the final answer to 2 significant figures

$KE=440000\mathrm{J}$

When performing calculations using the kinetic energy equation, always double-check that you have squared the speed. Forgetting to do this is the most common mistake that students make.