When considering the relationship between kinetic energy (KE) and speed, both statements are

interdependent and correct in their own right. However, if we must choose one to emphasize a
fundamental principle, the first statement is more accurate in describing the primary relationship in
physics:

As speed increases, the kinetic energy increases.

Explanation:

Kinetic Energy Formula:

𝐾𝐾
𝐸𝐸
=

𝑚𝑚
𝑣𝑣
2

KE=

mv

where

𝐾𝐾
𝐸𝐸
KE is kinetic energy,

𝑚𝑚
m is mass, and
𝑣𝑣
v is velocity (or speed).

Reasoning:

Direct Dependence:

Kinetic energy directly depends on the square of the speed. As the speed

𝑣𝑣
v increases, the kinetic energy

𝐾𝐾
𝐸𝐸
KE increases quadratically. This means that if you double the speed, the kinetic energy increases by
a factor of four (since

𝐾𝐾

𝐸𝐸
∝
𝑣𝑣
2

KE∝v

).

Causal Relationship:

The speed of an object determines its kinetic energy. Given an object of constant mass, changes in
its speed will cause changes in its kinetic energy. This makes the first statement a direct and
causative description: the kinetic energy of an object is a function of its speed.

Energy Perspective:

While it's also true that if the kinetic energy of an object increases, its speed must increase
(assuming mass remains constant), this statement is more of an implication derived from the
primary relationship. It tells us about the result (increased speed) given an increase in kinetic
energy but doesn't as directly describe the primary dependence.

Conclusion:

Given the kinetic energy formula and the causative nature of speed determining kinetic energy, the
statement "As speed increases, the kinetic energy increases" is the correct choice when
emphasizing the fundamental principle.