Kinetic & Potential Energy Calculator
Calculate kinetic energy (KE = ½mv²) and gravitational potential energy (PE = mgh). Understand energy conservation.
Results
What is it?
Kinetic energy (KE = ½mv²) is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. Gravitational potential energy (PE = mgh) is stored energy due to an object's position in a gravitational field. Together, they form mechanical energy, which is conserved in the absence of friction and air resistance.
How to use
Enter the object's mass, velocity, and height above the reference level. Select the gravitational field strength (Earth, Moon, or Mars). KE and PE are computed independently; their sum is the total mechanical energy.
Example scenario
A 10 kg roller-coaster car travels at 20 m/s at a height of 10 m above the ground. KE = ½ × 10 × 20² = 2000 J. PE = 10 × 9.81 × 10 = 981 J. Total mechanical energy = 2981 J. If the car descends to ground level with no friction, all PE converts to KE, giving a final speed of √(2 × 2981 / 10) ≈ 24.4 m/s.
Pro tip
The work-energy theorem states that the net work done on an object equals its change in kinetic energy (W = ΔKE). On the Moon, gravitational PE is much lower for the same height, which is why Apollo astronauts could jump so much higher despite wearing heavy suits.