Kinetic energy: How much energy is needed to change the speed of a 1600 kg sport utility vehicle from 15.0 m/s to 40.0 m/s?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The kinetic energy (KE) of an object can be calculated using the formula KE = 1/2 * m * v^2, where m is the mass of the object and v is its velocity. To find the change in kinetic energy as the vehicle's speed changes, we calculate the final and initial kinetic energies and subtract the initial from the final. Initial KE = 1/2 * 1600 kg * (15.0 m/s)^2 = 180,000 J or 180 kJ. Final KE = 1/2 * 1600 kg * (40.0 m/s)^2 = 1,280,000 J or 1280 kJ. The change in kinetic energy = 1280 kJ - 180 kJ = 1100 kJ or 1.10 MJ.

Kinetic Energy: How Much Energy Is Needed to Change the Speed