Question

What exactly is kinetic energy, if it is in the same units as work? What is the difference between the two?

Answer 1

Kinetic energy is a quantity possessed by the body, due to its velocity. It is always positive.

Work is in an exchange term that will affect the KE of the body. Work can be a positive transfer and it will add KE to the body. Work can be a negative transfer that will take KE from the body.

It's a bit like your mass: it is always positive, but it can increase with positive intakes of food or decrease with body waste disposal (incl. breathing).

Answer 2

you can calculate them by :
Kinetic energy :\[k=(1/2)*m*v^2\] m=mass(Kg) v=velocity(meter/second)
Work :
\[W= F.d= F*d*\cos \theta\] d=distance(meter) F=Force(Newton)
Yes they are same in unit, they are both Joule,
The difference is clear I think ... ! Work is work and Energy is the ablity to do a work.
Did you got it ... ?!
I'll be happy to answer, if you have any questions ... ! ;-)

Answer 3

and \[\theta \] is the angel between the force and distance vectors ...