Why is Kinetic Energy mv^2/2?

Whilst this proof is beyond the scope of A level physics, it is well within the scope of A level Maths as it relies solely on the chain rule.First let us note that Fx = W where F is force, x is distance and W is work or energy.However if we have a varying force, we must sum the Force in dx sized chunks, ie. W = int ( F dx) and it is from there we get our proof.F = ma (from Newton II)a = dv/dtF = mdv/dtPutting this in our integral:int(Fdx) = int (m * dvdx/dt)We also know that v = dx/dt.Therefore int(mdvdx/dt) = int(mdvv) = int(mv dv).Taking the integral we can see that W = mv2/2 + C where C is dependant on the initial speed we take the work done from. If initial speed is 0 then C also becomes 0 and we get the well known formula.

VP
Answered by Vandan P. Physics tutor

7464 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Derive an expression for wave speed in terms of wavelength and frequency.


What are Newton's 3 laws of motion?


A rock has a mass of 100g and it is thrown across a pond at a speed of 30ms^-1. Calculate the de Broglie wavelength of the rock and explain whether you can see the wave produced.


A projectile is fired at an angle of 30 degrees from the horizontal, it reaches a maximum height of 12m above the ground before coming to rest 600m from its initial starting point at the same level. What is the initial speed of the projectile?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning