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

154750 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain the difference between current and voltage


Do batteries contain current, which comes out when they are in a circuit?


Give three properties that are the same for radio waves and microwaves


How does a vacuum flask keep a beverage warm for long periods? (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