```
Initial Energy = (1/2) * m * v^2
```
Where:
- m is the mass of the motorcycle and rider (in kilograms)
- v is the initial velocity of the motorcycle (in meters per second)
The starting energy represents the total kinetic energy of the motorcycle and rider before braking. This energy is initially in the form of motion and will be converted into other forms of energy, such as heat and sound, as the motorcycle brakes to a stop.
To find the initial velocity, we can use the following formula:
```
v = (2 * d * g / a)^0.5
```
Where:
- d is the stopping distance of the motorcycle (in meters)
- g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s^2)
- a is the deceleration of the motorcycle (in m/s^2)
By plugging the initial velocity back into the formula for initial energy, we can calculate the starting energy of the motorcycle braking to a halt.
