Calculate the kinetic energy of a \( 0.25-\mathrm{kg} \) toy car traveling at a constant velocity of \( 2 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s} \).

To calculate the kinetic energy (KE) of the toy car, you can use the formula: \[ KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 \] where \(m\) is the mass of the object and \(v\) is its velocity. Plugging in the values: \[ m = 0.25 \, \text{kg}, \quad v = 2 \, \text{m/s} \] \[ KE = \frac{1}{2} \times 0.25 \, \text{kg} \times (2 \, \text{m/s})^2 \] \[ KE = \frac{1}{2} \times 0.25 \times 4 \] \[ KE = \frac{1}{2} \times 1 = 0.5 \, \text{J} \] So, the kinetic energy of the toy car is \(0.5 \, \text{J}\). Kinetic energy is not just a physics term; it pops up all over the place! Picture yourself racing your toy car down a ramp. The faster it goes, the greater its kinetic energy. This principle is what makes go-karting and roller coasters thrilling—more speed means more fun! If you're ever set to tackle kinetic energy problems, remember that common mistakes include forgetting to square the velocity or mixing up mass and weight. Always double-check your units, and don’t let your enthusiasm for speed overshadow your calculations!