Science, Tech, Math › Science Kinetic Energy Definition Definition of Kinetic Energy Share Flipboard Email Print Newton's cradle is a classic toy that shows kinetic and potential energy as well as conservation of energy. Influx Productions/Getty Images Science Chemistry Chemical Laws Basics Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry in Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate by Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Updated March 06, 2017 Kinetic Energy Definition: Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. An object of mass m moving at velocity v has a kinetic energy equal to ½mv2. Example: An example of kinetic energy is a swinging pendulum. Continue Reading