How can a car be changing velocity yet not changing speed?

Speed is a scalar, which means the car's speed will be a value that has a magnitude (number) only. Velocity is a vector, which means that the car's velocity will be a value that has both magnitude and direction. In this case, the car is changing its direction of travel but the magnitude of the speed stays the same.

JL
Answered by Jade L. Physics tutor

4939 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the change of quark character associated with the beta-plus decay and deduce the equation.


An electron and a proton are in any electric field E=5x10^2 V/m. What is their speed 1.0 cm after being released?


Given a graph of the displacement of a particle, how can you tell if it is in Simple Harmonic Motion?


How is a particle moving in circular motion accelerating but not varying speed?


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