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

9188 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe the difference between reflection and refraction (assume the mediums have smooth surfaces)


If a car has a mass of 670kg and has a driving force of 1200N and a force from resistance of 300N, what is the acceleration of the car? What is the speed of the car after 5 seconds?


What is the importance of the resultant force in a free-fall question?


How do current and voltage vary in series and parallel circuits, respectively?


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