Speed is a scalar quantity that measures how fast an object is moving, while velocity is a vector quantity that measures how fast and in what direction an object is moving. Speed only has magnitude, whereas velocity has both magnitude and direction.
Elaboration:
Speed:
Speed is the rate at which an object covers distance. It only tells you how fast something is moving, not the direction. For example, a car traveling at 60 miles per hour is described by its speed.
Velocity:
Velocity is the rate at which an object changes its position in a specific direction. It includes both the speed and the direction of motion. For instance, a car traveling at 60 miles per hour east is described by its velocity.
Key Differences:
Scalar vs. Vector: Speed is a scalar quantity (magnitude only), while velocity is a vector quantity (both magnitude and direction).
Direction: Speed does not have a direction, while velocity includes direction.
Formula:
Speed = Distance / Time
Velocity = Displacement / Time (where displacement is the net change in position).
Example:
Imagine a car moving along a straight road. If the car is traveling at 60 miles per hour, that’s its speed. However, if the car is traveling at 60 miles per hour north, that’s its velocity.