Final answer:
Kinetic energy is the energy an object has due to its motion, represented by the formula KE = ½mv², signifying that it increases with the mass and the square of the velocity of the moving object.
Step-by-step explanation:
Kinetic energy is defined as the energy of motion. It is the energy that an object possesses due to its movement, which can involve translations (straight-line motions), vibrations, or rotations. The greater the kinetic energy, the greater the movement of atoms or molecules within a substance. For instance, when a substance heats up, its kinetic energy increases, resulting in the atoms or molecules moving more vigorously.
The formula that expresses kinetic energy (KE) mathematically is KE = ½mv², where m represents mass and v is velocity. An example of kinetic energy is a moving vehicle or a spinning turbine that generates electricity. Additionally, the law of conservation of energy states that energy in an isolated system is never created nor destroyed but merely transformed from one form to another.