Conservation of Kinetic Energy

Definition

The conservation of kinetic energy principle states that if only conservative forces are acting on an object, its total kinetic energy remains constant.

Analogy

Imagine you're on a roller coaster. At the highest point, you have maximum potential energy and minimum kinetic energy. As you descend, your potential energy decreases but your kinetic energy increases - yet the total amount of energy (potential + kinetic) stays the same. That's conservation of kinetic energy in action!

Related terms

Potential Energy: The stored energy an object has because of its position or state.

Kinetic Energy: The energy an object possesses due to its motion.

Conservative Forces: Forces that can store mechanical energy, like gravity or elastic force. When only conservative forces act on an object and work is done, the object’s total mechanical energy (kinetic + potential) remains constant.