Kinetic energy depends on which factors?

• A. Mass only
• B. Velocity only
• C. Mass and velocity
• D. Height and velocity

Answer: (C)

Kinetic energy comes from the formula KE = 1/2 m v^2. This shows two factors: mass and velocity. Mass enters linearly—doubling the mass at the same speed doubles the kinetic energy. Velocity enters through the square, so doubling speed increases kinetic energy by a factor of four. Height is not part of kinetic energy; it relates to potential energy in gravity (mgh). If you consider total mechanical energy, you’d add potential energy, but the kinetic part itself depends only on mass and velocity. That’s why mass and velocity are the factors kinetic energy depends on.