What is the difference between acceleration, speed and velocity?

Speed is the rate of change of distance(basically how much distance(m) has been covered in a particular time(s)). Velocity is the rate of change of displacement( change of distance in a particular direction with respect to time) , and acceleration is the rate of change of velocity per unit of time.(Amount of increase or decrease in velocity). Also, speed is a scalar quantity but velocity and acceleration are vector quantities.

AA
Answered by Ayusha A. Physics tutor

159655 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain why the moon is not pulled away from the Earth by the Sun.


Describe the energy transfers taking place when a person is running up a hill


Ultrasound is used to scan unborn babies but X-rays are not used to scan unborn babies.


Given I climb two steps every second and I have a mass of 50kg, what is the power output of my legs in kilowatts? (3 significant figures)


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