Calculating the energy of a moving object (Ek=½mv²)
I can calculate the energy an object has because it is moving.
Calculating the energy of a moving object (Ek=½mv²)
I can calculate the energy an object has because it is moving.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Energy is measured in joules (J).
- Doubling the mass of a moving object doubles the energy it has in its kinetic store.
- Doubling the speed of an object increases the energy it has in its kinetic store by four times.
- The energy an object has in its kinetic store of energy is found using the equation Ek = ½ mv².
Keywords
Work done - Work is done whenever a force makes an object move. The amount of work done is equal to the force multiplied by distance moved in the direction of the force.
Kinetic store - If an object is moving and has a mass, then there is energy in its kinetic store.
Directly proportional to - If two quantities are directly proportional, then as one increases, the other also increases at the same rate.
Kinetic energy - The energy an object has in its kinetic store is referred to as the object’s kinetic energy.
Common misconception
When calculating energy in the kinetic store, pupils often work out ½ mv and then square everything, rather than just the speed.
Scaffold calculations to show how kinetic energy is calculated, taking pupils through how to do this on their calculators without making a mistake.
To help you plan your year 10 physics lesson on: Calculating the energy of a moving object (Ek=½mv²), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 physics lesson on: Calculating the energy of a moving object (Ek=½mv²), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions