Whats the difference between speed and velocity?

Although these two words can be used interchangably they are very very different. Its easier to explain if you break down their equatoins.

Speed = distance / time
Velocity = displacement / time

The difference between distance and displacement is difficulat to explain but is best described as the following:

Distance is a scalar property that refers to how much ground an oject has covered during its motion.

whereas 

Displacement is a vector quantity that refers to how far our of place an object is, i.e the objects overall change in position.

The differences in these will become more apparent when studying forces and equations of motion so do not worry if you cannot get your head around the definitions at this instant

MG
Answered by Michael G. Physics tutor

8997 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A bowling ball is thrown into the alley, having velocity of 3 ms^-1 at the start of the bowling alley. It decelerates at a constant rate, before hitting the skittles at 2 ms^-1 after 4 s A) calculate the acceleration of the ball.


A wave with a constant velocity doubles its frequency. What happens to the wavelength?


What is the difference between speed and velocity?


Why do Physicists take multiple readings in experiments?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning