Which expression correctly represents kinetic energy?

Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion. The correct expression for kinetic energy is derived from the fundamental principles of classical mechanics.

The formula for kinetic energy is specifically given by the equation 1/2mv^2, where "m" represents the mass of the object and "v" is its velocity. This formula indicates that kinetic energy is directly proportional to the mass of the object and the square of its velocity. The factor of 1/2 arises from the derivation of the work-energy theorem, which relates the work done on an object to its change in kinetic energy.

This relationship highlights a crucial aspect of kinetic energy: as the velocity of the object increases, its kinetic energy increases with the square of that velocity. For example, if the velocity is doubled, the kinetic energy increases by a factor of four (since (2v)^2 = 4v^2). Thus, this expression effectively captures how the motion of an object contributes to its energy.

In summary, the expression for kinetic energy accurately reflects the dependence on mass and the square of velocity, confirming that the correct representation is 1/2mv^2.