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

158084 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

State Newton's 2nd Law, and use this explain the vertical motion of a parachutist in the descent from her plane to Earth.


What is the difference between voltage and current?


The time taken for a wave to pass a point is 2.5 seconds. What is the frequency of the wave?


Describe how the velocity and forces acting on a skydiver change during their fall (6 marks)


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