Meaning & use
kinetic energy
Last updated
Meaning
noununcountablephysics
The energy that an object has because it is moving.
Grammar: Uncountable; used in physics. Often contrasted with potential energy.
Patterns
- kinetic energy of an object
- convert to kinetic energy
- gain kinetic energy
A moving car has kinetic energy, which increases with its speed.
The ball's kinetic energy is converted into heat when it hits the ground.
In physics class, we calculated the kinetic energy of a falling object.
Common combinations
- kinetic energy of a moving object
- The kinetic energy of a moving object depends on its mass and velocity.
- convert potential energy into kinetic energy
- A roller coaster converts potential energy into kinetic energy as it descends.
- kinetic energy increases
- As the speed doubles, the kinetic energy increases by a factor of four.
Synonyms and how they differ
- energy of motion
- A descriptive phrase, not a technical term; kinetic energy is the standard scientific term.
Opposites
Word family
- kinetic adjective
- Relating to or resulting from motion.
Commonly confused: kinetic energy or potential energy?
kinetic energy vs potential energy
Potential energy is stored energy due to position or condition; kinetic energy is the energy of movement.
Practice
A moving bicycle has ______ because of its motion.
Choose one answer.
Kinetic energy is the energy of motion. Potential energy is stored; chemical energy is stored in bonds; static energy is not a standard term for motion.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “kinetic energy”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.