What is the difference between velocity and speed?

Both the speed and the velocity show us how fast something is moving (the rate at which it changes its position). However, velocity is a vector quantity, which means it also gives us information about the direction of movement while the speed is a scalar and it is the modulus of the velocity.

BS
Answered by Bozhidara S. Physics tutor

3017 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is a critical angle and when does total internal reflection take place?


A hair dryer uses 2000J in 5 seconds when on full power. The power used is?


Explain the motion and forces on a falling object as it approaches terminal velocity.


If Hannah slows down from a speed of 12 m/s to 8 m/s and has a mass of 45kg, how much force has been exerted on her to cause this deceleration?


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