The equation KE = 1/2 mv² represents the concept of kinetic energy, which is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. In this formula, m stands for the mass of the object, measured in kilograms, and v represents its velocity, measured in meters per second. The kinetic energy is directly proportional to the mass and the square of the velocity, meaning that if either the mass or the speed increases, the kinetic energy will also increase. To calculate kinetic energy, you first square the velocity (v²), then multiply that result by the mass (m), and finally, divide by 2. This shows that a small increase in speed can lead to a significant increase in kinetic energy because of the squaring effect. Understanding this relationship helps explain why faster-moving objects, like a car or a thrown ball, have much more energy than slower ones.