What is kinetic energy?

Kinetic energy is defined as the energy that a moving object possesses due to its motion. This form of energy is directly proportional to the mass of the object and the square of its velocity, governed by the formula ( KE = \frac{1}{2} mv^2 ), where ( m ) is the mass and ( v ) is the velocity. When an object is in motion, it has the capacity to perform work due to its kinetic energy. This concept is fundamental in understanding how energy operates in dynamic systems and plays a critical role in various physics applications, such as collisions and mechanical systems. Understanding kinetic energy is essential for analyzing motion, as it provides insights into how and why objects move in different scenarios.