Whats the difference between speed and velocity?

Although these two words can be used interchangably they are very very different. Its easier to explain if you break down their equatoins.

Speed = distance / time
Velocity = displacement / time

The difference between distance and displacement is difficulat to explain but is best described as the following:

Distance is a scalar property that refers to how much ground an oject has covered during its motion.

whereas 

Displacement is a vector quantity that refers to how far our of place an object is, i.e the objects overall change in position.

The differences in these will become more apparent when studying forces and equations of motion so do not worry if you cannot get your head around the definitions at this instant

MG
Answered by Michael G. Physics tutor

9342 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

explain how the resistance of a filament lamp changes as the potential difference across it increases


A train is travelling at 50m/s. How long does it take the train to reach 60m/s if it accelerates at a constant rate of 0.5m/s^2? How many kilometres does it travel in this time?


Why would the National Grid limit the amount of fossil fuels we combust at peak times of energy demand?


Using standard formulae, derive an expression for the final speed of a falling object in terms of its change in height. Assume zero air resistance or other resistive forces.


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