When is kinetic energy negative

E and is capable to do work against opposing force F until it stops and loses all of its K. In this case, Kinetic energy equals the work done by the body. The initial velocity vi of the body is v and the final velocity v f is zero.

Since velocity is a vector quantity, it can be negative. A positive velocity denotes that the object is traveling in the positive direction as defined by the coordinate system, whereas a negative velocity denotes that the object is moving in the opposite direction.

Simply said, when velocity turns negative, it is the speed in the opposite direction. Example 2: Find the Kinetic energy of an object of mass two-kilogram moving at a speed of one meter per second. How much is the K. E of the object at the time it strikes the ground?

Can kinetic energy be negative in this case? E is positive. Find its K. E is a half product of mass and square of velocity. Mass of an object is always positive and the square of velocity makes total K. E a positive value. The total K. E of a body is the sum of the kinetic energies resulting from each type of motion. The faster the motion, the more K. E the object has.

The kinetic energy of a moving object is always positive. E of a body or a system is equal to the sum of the kinetic energies resulting from each type of motion. Calculate the mass and velocity of a moving object. Use relation K. There are five main types of K. Author Umair Javed Umair has been working at Whatsinsight since as a content writer. He has a Masters degree in Materials Science. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

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Asked 4 years, 6 months ago. Active 4 years, 6 months ago. Viewed 5k times. My question is a bit naive, but if someone could explain, it would be great. Improve this question.

Lilac 3 1 1 bronze badge. I want to read about it too. As for potential energy, it is a matter of reference mostly. Also could you explain your views on negative potential energy.

When you say matter of reference, you mean frame of reference? Could you give some examples where it is positive and where it is negative. Think of gravity for example.

Often we define 0 gravitational potential energy as being at ground level. Now imagine digging a hole. You have managed to go below ground level. You could redefine the potential as 0 at this new lowest point, but that would require changing other work as well. It is just as accurate to say it has negative potential energy.

It just means there is a state below your reference that is available. That said, I don't really see how that would apply to kinetic energy either. Show 3 more comments. Active Oldest Votes. Improve this answer.