Kinetic energy

Kinetic energy is energy that a body has as a result of its speed.

More simple examples

The space shuttle uses chemical energy to take off and gains considerable kinetic energy because it must reach orbital velocity. This kinetic energy gained during launch will remain constant while the shuttle is in orbit because there is almost no friction. However it becomes apparent at re-entry when the kinetic energy is converted to heat.

Related Topics:
Space shuttle - Orbital velocity

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Kinetic energy can be passed from one object to another. In the game of billiards, the player gives kinetic energy to the cue ball by striking it with the cue stick. If the cue ball collides with another ball, it will slow down dramatically and the ball it collided with will accelerate to a velocity as the kinetic energy is passed on to it. Collisions in billiards are elastic collisions, where kinetic energy is preserved.

Related Topics:
Billiards - Collisions

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Flywheels are being developed as a method of energy storage see article flywheel energy storage. This illustrates that kinetic energy can also be rotational. Note the formula in the articles on flywheels for calculating rotational kinetic energy is different, though analogous.

Related Topics:
Flywheels - Energy storage - Flywheel energy storage

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~