Difference Between Speed and Velocity for Class 9 & 11 with Examples

Difference between speed and velocity is one of the most frequently asked question in exams. There are numerous differences between speed and velocity. Read difference between speed and velocity here

Table of Contents

Difference between speed and velocity: Speed and velocity are the two most important terms we use in Physics. We utilize the basic quantities of speed and velocity to describe the motion of objects in terms of distance, time, and direction. Nonetheless, we frequently hear both phrases used similarly. Is it inappropriate to use the phrases velocity and speed interchangeably? the answer is No. Despite both terms related to the motion of an object, there are certain differences between speed and velocity. What is the difference between speed and velocity? is one of the most frequently asked questions in board exams as well as in various competitive Exams. In this article, we are going to learn about the difference between speed and velocity with a proper Explanation.

Difference between speed and velocity

In the study of Mathematics and Physics, the terms speed and velocity are commonly employed to describe the motion of an object. These are terms that we frequently use interchangeably without recognizing them. Everyone should understand the difference between speed and velocity. The main difference between speed and velocity is that speed refers to the time rate at which an object moves along a path, whereas velocity relates to the pace and direction of that object’s movement. Before entering into the difference between speed and velocity, we must first understand speed and velocity, their definitions, and the various forms of speed and velocity.

What is Speed?

Speed is the amount of distance covered by a person or an object in a given amount of time where the direction of the object is not counted. In other words, speed is the amount of distance an object travels in a given length of time, regardless of direction. It indicates that it does not follow direction but merely magnitude in the absence of a directional component. As a result, speed is regarded a scalar number. To get the average speed, divide the total distance traveled by the total time required to travel that distance.

Speed = Distance / Time

The Unit we use to express speed in the SI system is meters per second (m/ s), while in the CGS system is Centimeters per second (cm/s)

What is Velocity?

Velocity is defined as the pace at which a person or item moves along a path and covers a specific distance while keeping the moving body’s direction in mind. In layman’s terms, velocity is the rate at which an object’s position changes with respect to a frame of reference and time. To compute velocity, we need to know both the magnitude (speed) and the direction. As a result, velocity It is a vector quantity, and we can calculate the velocity of a moving object using the method below.

Velocity = Displacement / Time = (Final Point – Initial Point) / Time

Difference between speed and velocity with Example

Understanding the difference between speed and velocity is slightly confusing for the students. let’s understand the Difference between speed and velocity with an Example,I want to complete my journey by bike at 50 kmph from point A to point B in 150 kilometers, which will take 3 hours to complete. So this was the case for the speed, but in a practical scenario, certain criteria will include in my voyage, these are the directions I took in my journey from the beginning, in the middle, or when making turns, and until the end. As a result, my speed will not remain constant throughout my travel. It’s because my bike’s speed was 0 when I started, it was slow, I raised my speed, and decreased it while taking the turns; Ultimately Overall, my speed was not the same; I traveled at a velocity to cover a distance of 150 kilometers in 5 hours.

Difference between speed and velocity in Tabular form

Now it’s time to know the key Difference between speed and velocity. A detailed Difference between speed and velocity is provided in the table below so that you may better comprehend the differences between speed and velocity.

Point of differences	Speed	Velocity
meaning	Speed is defined as the rate at which a person or item goes along a path and covers a specific distance.	Velocity is defined as the rate at which an object moves along a path and covers a specific distance while keeping the moving body’s direction in consideration.
Type of Quantity	Scalar	Vector
Change of Direction	The average speed is not influenced by the change in direction.	The average velocity is affected by the change in direction. The velocity fluctuates when the moving body’s direction changes.
Measurement	Speed is a measure of how quickly an object is moving in a given period and time.	The velocity of an object indicates the object’s speed as well as its Position.
Interrelation	It is not necessary for speed to constantly equal velocity.It may also vary.	A body might have the same speed but distinct velocities.
Magnitude	Speed can never be zero or negative in magnitude	Velocity magnitudes can be zero, negative, or positive.
SI Unit	SI Unit of Speed is m/s.	SI Unit of Velocity is m/s.
Calculation	The speed is calculated as the difference in distance traveled per unit of time.	Velocity is calculated as a moving object’s displacement per unit of time.
Formula	Average Speed = Distance / Time	Average Velocity = Displacement / Time

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FAQs

What is the difference between speed and velocity any two?

The difference between speed and velocity are":
1. Speed solely follows magnitude and not direction. As a result, speed is regarded as a scalar quantity. on the other hand. Velocity takes into account not only the magnitude but also the direction of the moving object. As a result, it is classified as a vector quantity.
2. The average speed is not influenced by the change in direction. but the average velocity is affected by the change in direction.

Why is velocity referred to as speed?

Velocity is a physical vector quantity that requires both magnitude and direction to define. Speed is the scalar absolute value (magnitude) of velocity, and it is a coherently derived unit whose quantity is measured in the SI (metric system) as metres per second (m/s or ms1).

Is Velocity scalar or Vector quantity?

The rate of change in displacement is referred to as velocity. Velocity takes into account not just magnitude but also the direction of the moving object. As a result, it is regarded as a vector quantity. As we know, displacement is already a vector quantity, whereas distance is a scalar quantity.