What is the formula for calculating kinetic energy?

The formula for calculating kinetic energy is derived from the relationship between mass, velocity, and energy. Kinetic energy (K) is defined as the energy an object possesses due to its motion. The correct formula, 1/2 mv², indicates that kinetic energy is directly proportional to the mass of the object (m) and the square of its velocity (v).

This means that if either the mass of the object increases or the velocity increases, the kinetic energy will increase. Notably, because the velocity is squared in the formula, a small increase in speed results in a much larger increase in kinetic energy. This quadratic relationship highlights the significance of speed in the behavior of moving objects.

In contrast, other choices provided do not represent the formula for kinetic energy. For example, the second option (mv²) does not include the necessary factor of one-half, which is essential in calculating kinetic energy accurately. The third option (mgh) represents gravitational potential energy, not kinetic energy. The last option (1/2 m(v² - u²)) includes elements related to the concept of initial and final velocities but is not the standard expression for kinetic energy itself.