Why is kinetic energy scalar?

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Detailed Solution

Kinetic energy is a scalar quantity because it depends only on the magnitude of velocity of an object, not on its direction.

Definition of Kinetic Energy

Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by a body due to its motion. It is given by the formula:

KE = ½ mv²

where m = mass of the object, v = speed (magnitude of velocity).

Why It Is Scalar

Kinetic energy is proportional to the square of velocity (v²). Since squaring removes direction, it only considers magnitude.
Energy is not represented by direction, only by value.
Scalar quantities can be added algebraically, and kinetic energy follows this property.

Examples

A moving car has kinetic energy regardless of whether it moves north or south.
A ball thrown upward or downward has kinetic energy based on speed, not direction.

Difference Between Scalar and Vector