Difference Between Speed And Velocity

Often we use the terms speed and velocity interchangeably without realizing it is wrong to do so. There is a difference between speed and velocity which everyone must know. In fact, it is also a common question asked in many exams. When we describe the motion of objects regarding distance, time and direction, we use these two terms. Thus, they carry different meanings. In other words, speed refers to the time rate at which an object moves along a path whereas the rate and direction of that object’s movement will be velocity. Let’s learn more about how they are different.

Definition of Speed

To help evaluate the difference between speed and velocity, we need to understand their definition. Speed is the amount of distance an object covers over a specific period of time, irrespective of the direction it is travelling in. Thus, lack of directional component means it is a scalar quantity. In order to calculate the average speed, take the total distance travelled and divide it by the total time needed to travel that distance.

Definition of Velocity

As we discussed before that speed is a scalar quantity thus it’s got a corresponding vector quantity which combines how fast the object travels and its direction. So, this vector quantity refers to as velocity. In other words, we define it as the rate at which the object is changing its position. It is important to note that a change in position from its starting point to its endpoint is its displacement. What matters here is the direct distance from the starting point to the finish point and not the precise route. So, to find out the average velocity, you need to multiply displacement by time.

Difference between Speed and Velocity

Importance Difference between Speed and Velocity

Basis of Comparison	Speed	Velocity
Meaning	It is the rate at which a particular distance is covered by an object.	Velocity refers to the rate at which an object changes their position in a particular direction.
Quantity	It is a scalar quantity as it comprises of magnitude only.	Velocity is a vector quantity as it comprises of both magnitude and direction.
Indication	Speed indicates how fast an object is moving.	It indicates how fast the object is moving along with its position.
Value	Speed may never be zero or negative.	Velocity may be zero, negative or positive.
SI Unit	One can measure speed in m/s	One can measure velocity in m/s
Change of Direction	If the object changes the direction, it won’t matter because the count of average speed will continue.	When the direction changes, there will be a change in the object’s velocity, thus, an object should follow one direction.
Interrelation	Speed can or cannot be equal to velocity.	An object will possibly have different velocities but speed will be the same.
Calculation	We calculate the speed as the difference travelled per unit of time.	We calculate this as the displacement of a thing per unit of time.

More details about Speed

A car’s speedometer can help you determine the difference between speed and velocity. If the speed limit is 45 miles per hour, it will read 45 miles per hour. Thus, if you drive for 45 miles, you will take an hour. The road turns, the shape does not matter, only the ground covered.

Average speed can be the sub-component of speed. It is essentially the distance you travel divided by the time taken to cover it. Moreover, please note it is directly proportional to distance and inversely proportional to the time period.

More details about Velocity

When you measure the velocity of anything, remember to mention the direction explicitly. For instance, if your car is travelling rapidly and it returns to its initial position, the velocity will be zero.

That is because the car returns to its original position and motion does not change the position. Velocity can be uniform or non-uniform and may change with the change in speed or direction or even both.

FAQs about Speed and Velocity

Question 1: State the difference between speed and velocity in terms of quantity.

Answer 1: Speed is scalar quantity whereas velocity is a vector quantity.

Question 2: What do speed and velocity determine?

Answer 2: Speed determines how fast something is moving whereas velocity determines in which direction it is moving.