Kinetic energy is a form of energy that an object possesses due to its motion. It is defined as the energy an object has because of its mass and velocity. The formula for calculating kinetic energy is:
Kinetic Energy
Kinetic Energy (KE) = 0.5 * mass * velocity^2
where:
– KE is the kinetic energy
– mass is the mass of the object
– velocity is the velocity (speed) of the object
The kinetic energy of an object depends on both its mass and its velocity. As the mass of an object increases, its kinetic energy also increases. Similarly, as the velocity of an object increases, its kinetic energy increases significantly, as it is directly proportional to the square of the velocity.
The standard unit of kinetic energy is the joule (J) in the International System of Units (SI), but it can also be expressed in other units such as kilojoules (kJ) or electron volts (eV), depending on the context.
Kinetic energy is a fundamental concept in physics and is used in various areas, including mechanics, engineering, and even everyday situations. It helps us understand and analyze the motion of objects and the effects of forces acting on them.
Kinetic Theory
The Kinetic theory of matter assumes that matter is made up of tiny particles such as atoms, molecules, and ions that are continually moving and therefore possess kinetic energy.
A British Scientist, Dalton, in about 1806AD, expanded the idea of atoms. He made various statements about the nature of atoms. His ideas about atoms are stated below:
1. Matter is made up of minute indivisible particles called atoms.
2. Atoms cannot be created or destroyed.
3. All the atoms of an element are alike and different from the atoms of all other elements.
4. Atoms combine in small whole numbers to form new substances.
All these ideas collectively form Dalton’s atomic theory. Since Dalton’s atomic theory was proposed, have accepted the idea that matter is made up of particles.
Kinetic energy is the energy a body has by its motion. The kinetic theory of matter assumes that the particles that makeup matter have energy and that these particles are in constant motion.
Assumptions of the kinetic theory
The basic assumptions of the kinetic theory deal with energy due to the movement of particles and it includes:
1. Matter is made up of tiny indivisible particles that are in constant motion and therefore possess kinetic energy.
2. Increase in heat supply or increase in temperature, causes an increase in the motion of the particles and thus, an increase in the average kinetic energy of the particles.
3. Increase in kinetic energy of the particles due to an increase in heat supply brings about a change in state viz solid, liquid, and gas.
EVALUATION
1. State the Kinetic theory of Matter.
2. What are the assumptions of the kinetic theory of matter?
See also
Energy Transfer (When work is done)
POTENTIAL AND KINETIC ENERGY
WORK, ENERGY, AND POWER