Kinetic Energy Calculator Worksheet
In this activity, you will study what effect mass and
velocity have on kinetic energy, the energy of
motion. We will investigate whether the effects are
linear (kinetic energy increases regularly with mass
or an increase in velocity) or exponentially kinetic
energy increases very fast with an increase in mass
or an increase in velocity).
2. Enter the following values for the velocity of
the object and hit the calculate button. YOU
ONLY NEED TO ENTER THE NUMBER,
NOT THE UNIT, “m/s.”
3. Record the Kinetic Energy in the chart
below.
Velocity (m/s)
Part One
We will first examine whether heavier objects have
more kinetic energy than lighter objects. Do the
following steps:
1.
2.
3.
Enter the velocity as 2 m/s. You will not
change that value for Part One. YOU
ONLY NEED TO ENTER THE
NUMBER, NOT THE UNIT, “m/s”
Enter the following values for the mass of
the object and hit the calculate button.
YOU ONLY NEED TO ENTER THE
NUMBER, NOT THE UNIT, “kg.”
Record the Kinetic Energy in the chart
below.
Mass (kg)
Kinetic Energy (J)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Part Two
Next we will change the velocity of the objects to see
if faster moving objects have more kinetic energy
than slower moving objects.
Kinetic Energy (J)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Graphing the Data
Next you will draw two graphs, one for each data
table. Use about half of a side of a sheet of
graph paper for each graph so you can fit them
both on one side
Graph One
Using the data from Part One, draw a graph.
1. The x-axis will be the Mass. Be sure to
include the unit.
2. The y-axis will be the Kinetic Energy.
Be sure to include the unit.
3. Title your graph “Kinetic Energy vs.
Mass.”
4. If your graph looks like a straight line,
draw a line through your dots with a
ruler. If not, draw a smooth curve
through your dots.
1. Enter the mass as 2 kg. You will not change
the mass for this part. YOU ONLY NEED
TO ENTER THE NUMBER, NOT THE
UNIT, “kg.”
Last updated 29 August 2006
Graph Two
Using the data from Part One, draw a graph.
1. The x-axis will be the Velocity. Be sure
to include the unit.
2. The y-axis will be the Kinetic Energy.
Be sure to include the unit.
3. Title your graph “Kinetic Energy vs.
Velocity.”
4. If your graph looks like a straight line,
draw a line through your dots with a
ruler. If not, draw a smooth curve
through your dots.
What You Will Turn In
On a separate sheet of loose-leaf, answer the
following questions. Be sure to use complete
sentences and use at least two or three sentences
to answer each question. Never begin a sentence
with “Yes” or “No.” Staple your graphs to that
sheet and return it to your teacher for grading.
Questions
1. Look at Graph One. Does the kinetic
energy increases regularly with an
increase in mass or does it increase
exponentially? How can you tell by the
shape of the graph?
2. Look at Graph Two. Does the kinetic
energy increases regularly with an
increase in velocity or does it increase
exponentially? How can you tell by the
shape of the graph?
3. Suppose you are riding in a car. Would
your kinetic energy increase more if you
doubled the weight of the vehicle, or if
you doubled your speed? Refer back to
the graphs to see which has a greater
effect.
4. Would it be possible for a small man
running fast to have the same kinetic
energy as a large man who runs slowly?
Explain.
Last updated 29 August 2006