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Kinetic Energy - GCSE Physics Definition

Reviewed by: Leander Oates

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What is kinetic energy?

In GCSE physics, kinetic energy is the energy an object has when it is in motion. The kinetic energy of an object depends on its mass and its speed. 

The equation for kinetic energy is:

E subscript k space equals 1 half m v squared

Where:

  • Ek = kinetic energy, measured in joules (J)

  • m = mass, measured in kilograms (kg)

  • v = speed, measured in metres per second (m/s)

Kinetic energy is directly proportional to the mass of the object and directly proportional to the square of the speed. 

The symbol for kinetic energy varies between exam boards; you should always use the symbols used in your specification. For example, AQA uses Ek , Edexcel and WJEC use KE, and OCR uses E.

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Leander Oates

Reviewer: Leander Oates

Expertise: Physics Content Creator

Leander graduated with First-class honours in Science and Education from Sheffield Hallam University. She won the prestigious Lord Robert Winston Solomon Lipson Prize in recognition of her dedication to science and teaching excellence. After teaching and tutoring both science and maths students, Leander now brings this passion for helping young people reach their potential to her work at SME.

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