Final answer:
The kinetic energy of a 1500 kg car traveling at a speed of 30 m/s is calculated using the formula KE = ½mv², resulting in a kinetic energy of 675000 joules or 675 kJ.
Step-by-step explanation:
The kinetic energy (KE) of any object in motion can be calculated using the formula KE = ½mv², where m is the mass of the object and v is its velocity. In the case of a 1500 kg car traveling at a speed of 30 m/s, the kinetic energy can be calculated as follows:
KE = ½ × 1500 kg × (30 m/s)²
KE = ½ × 1500 kg × 900 m²/s²
KE = 750 kg × 900 m²/s²
KE = 675000 kg·m²/s²
Since the SI unit of kinetic energy is the joule (J) and 1 J = 1 kg·m²/s², the kinetic energy of the car is 675000 joules, or 675 kJ (kilojoules).