Kinetic energy is defined as the energy an object possesses due to its motion. It is a scalar quantity that measures the capacity to do work on another body through the principles of physics. Mathematically, the amount of kinetic energy is determined by the product of the object's mass and the square of its velocity, expressed by the equation $K = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$. Units of measurement for kinetic energy are joules (J), which represent one joule of energy transferred when a force of one newton moves an object one meter. This concept is fundamental to understanding mechanical systems, such as the relationship between momentum, force, and the conversion between other forms of energy, such as potential energy.