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. 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. citecite this article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Kinetic Energy Definition." ThoughtCo, Feb. 10, 2017, thoughtco.com/definition-of-kinetic-energy-604552. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2017, February 10). Kinetic Energy Definition. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-kinetic-energy-604552 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Kinetic Energy Definition." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-kinetic-energy-604552 (accessed April 25, 2018). copy citation Continue Reading