Calculate the mass of an object given its kinetic energy and speed.


Example question:

An object has a kinetic energy of 88 J. What is its mass if it is traveling at a speed of 3.9 m/s?

Given:

kinetic energy: Ek = 88 J

speed: v = 3.9 m/s


Starting formula

Algebra: multiply each side by 2

Algebra: 2's cancel on right

Algebra: divide each side by v^2

Algebra: v^2's cancel on right

Algebra: switch left and right sides

Plug in numbers with units

Math: (2)(88)/(3.9)^2 = 11.571....

Final result with significant figures and unit