Speed is a scalar quantity whereas velocity is a vector quantity. One can say that speed defines how fast an object is moving. Whereas, velocity defines how fast an object is moving but in which direction.
Not to mention, both of them are used to specify the motion of an object between two locations. However, they are totally opposite to each other. Or, maybe almost…!!!
In this exclusive article, we will talk about so many speed and velocity differences. In fact, we will also talk about some of the similarities between them. But before going ahead, let me give you a brief review of the two in a tabular form. Let’s dive right in…!!!
Difference Between Speed and Velocity
| Speed | Velocity | |
| 1. | Speed is the rate of change of distance per unit time. | Velocity is the rate of change of displacement per unit time. |
| 2. | Speed defines how fast an object is moving. | Velocity defines how fast an object is moving but in which direction. |
| 3. | It is a scalar quantity. | It is a vector quantity. |
| 4. | Speed defines the rate of change of motion of an object. | Velocity defines the rate of change of motion as well as the position of an object. |
| 5. | The S.I unit of speed is m/s. | The S.I. unit of speed is m/s. |
| 6. | Speed can never be zero. | Velocity can be positive, negative, or even zero. |
| 7. | The dimension of speed is LT-1. | The dimension of velocity is LT-1. |
| 8. | The formula for Speed is Speed = Distance/Time. | The formula for velocity is Velocity = Displacement/Time. |
What is Speed?
By definition, speed is nothing but the rate of change of distance covered by an object per unit of time. In other words, speed is the rate of time at which an object is moving along a path.
Meaning, in order to define speed, there is no need to consider the direction of the motion of an object. That’s why speed is a scalar quantity. Meaning, it only has magnitude but no direction.
For example, A Bugatti Veyron traveling at 160 m/s could easily go from 0 m/s to 100 m/s, before reaching 140 m/s and could even reach 180 m/s. However, the average speed will always be the speed of the Bugatti Veyron.
Not to mention, the S.I. unit of speed is m/s. The actual speed of an object can never be zero. In addition, just because the S.I. unit of speed is m/s, the dimension of speed is LT-1.
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Properties of Speed
There can be so many properties of speed. Some of them are listed below:
- Speed is a scalar quantity.
- Speed is path-dependent.
- The magnitude of speed is always positive.
- Speed is always symmetric, etc.
What is Velocity?
By definition, velocity is nothing but the rate of change of displacement covered by an object per unit time. In other words, velocity is the rate of change in time as well as the direction of the moving object.
Meaning, in order to define velocity, we need to consider the direction of the motion of an object. That’s why velocity is a vector quantity. Meaning, it has both magnitude as well as direction.
For example, a high-speed bullet train is running with an average speed of 150 km/h. But on the other hand, it will have a velocity of 150 km/h, south.
Not to mention, the S.I. unit of velocity is m/s. The velocity of an object can be negative, positive, or even zero. In addition, just because the S.I unit of velocity is m/s, the dimension of velocity is LT-1.
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Properties of Velocity
There can be so many properties of velocity. Some of them are listed below:
- Velocity is a vector quantity.
- Velocity is path-independent.
- The magnitude of velocity can be negative, positive, or, zero.
- Velocity is anti-symmetric, etc.
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