what is the difference between speed and velocity
Speed and velocity both describe motion, but they are different physical quantities. Speed tells how fast an object moves, while velocity tells how fast an object moves in a specific direction.
Speed is a scalar quantity because it has only magnitude. Velocity is a vector quantity because it has both magnitude and direction.
Formulas
Speed = Distance ÷ Time
Velocity = Displacement ÷ Time
Difference Between Speed and Velocity
| Speed | Velocity |
|---|---|
| Scalar quantity | Vector quantity |
| Has only magnitude | Has magnitude and direction |
| Based on distance | Based on displacement |
| Direction not required | Direction required |
| Always positive | Can be positive, negative, or zero |
Example:
If a car moves 60 km in 1 hour, its speed is 60 km/h.
If the car moves 60 km north in 1 hour, its velocity is 60 km/h north.
In conclusion, speed measures how fast an object moves, whereas velocity measures both speed and direction of motion.