What is the difference between speed and velocity?

Velocity is a vector quantity so takes both magnitude and direction into account. Speed is a scalar so only takes magnitude into account. They both have units of meters per second.

SR
Answered by Sebastian R. Physics tutor

2895 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

When going around a roundabout, why do I feel a force pulling me outwards?


Is momentum a vector or a scalar quantity?


Why does atmospheric pressure drop when altitude increases?


Why do you weigh less on the Moon than on Earth?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning