Kinetic Energy

Performance Expectation

MS-PS3-1: Construct and interpret graphical displays of data to describe the relationships of kinetic energy to the mass of an object and to the speed of an object.

In Student-Friendly Words...

I can explain how an object's mass and speed affect its kinetic energy.

Big Ideas

Kinetic energy is the energy of motion.
Faster objects have more kinetic energy.
Heavier objects have more kinetic energy.
Graphs can help show the relationship between mass, speed, and kinetic energy.
Kinetic energy can increase when stored potential energy is released.

Interactive Learning

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Watch & Learn

Real-World Connections

Sports

A fast-moving baseball, soccer ball, or skateboard has kinetic energy, and its mass and speed affect how much energy it has.

Driving

A heavier vehicle traveling quickly has a lot of kinetic energy, which is one reason stopping large, fast vehicles takes so much effort.

Roller Coasters

Roller coasters constantly trade potential energy and kinetic energy as they move up and down the track.

Renewable Energy

Engineers can capture the kinetic energy of moving wind and water to generate electricity.

Take It Further

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