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

160857 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A kettle has a 55% energy efficiency. The input energy for the kettle is 378,000 J per boil. Calculate the amount of energy dissipated in 5 boils.


A baby in a bouncer bounces up and down with a period of 1.2s and amplitude of 90mm. Calculate the baby's maximum velocity.


What is the name given to waves where the oscillations are in the same direction as the wave energy?


Explain the resistance of and electrical component and what affects its value in a wire.


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