Difference Between Speed and Velocity

Although the terms velocity and speed seem to denote the same thing. However, understanding the difference between these two ideas is crucial. The primary difference between speed and velocity is that velocity contains information regarding direction, but speed does not. Let us understand these two concepts in more detail so that we can find out the difference between speed and velocity.

Difference Between Speed and Velocity
Difference Between Speed and Velocity

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What is speed?

The rate at which a distance changes per unit of time is called its speed, which is defined as the change in distance. As it has only magnitude, it is a scalar quantity. Unless the body is at rest, its magnitude can only be a non-zero positive integer. In most cases, the symbol ‘s’ is used to denote speed. But depending on the problem’s information and convenience, this could change.

Formula of Speed

Speed = Distance/Time

Here, distance = length covered during the journey = d

Time = time taken to cover the journey= t

Unit: S.I. unit of measurement is m/s

Other useful units of measurement = Km/hr and m/min, miles per hour, foot per second, etc.

Dimensional Formula: [M0L1Tโˆ’1]

Types of speed

The various types of speed are discussed below:

Average speed is defined as the body’s total distance traveled divided by its entire time.
Relative speed is the speed that can be computed between two bodies in relation to one another.

Uniform Speed: A body is said to be moving at a uniform speed if it travels the same distances in the same amounts of time.

Variable Speed: A body is said to be moving with variable speed if it travels the same distances in different amounts of time.

Instantaneous speed: The term refers to a body’s speed at any given moment.

Tangential speed: Tangential speed is the body’s speed along a circle.

Rotational speed: Rotational speed is the number of revolutions a body does in a given amount of time.

Example

Let’s say a truck goes 300 kilometers in five hours. To find the speed, apply the following formula:

Distance / Time = Speed

Speed: 300 / 5 = 60 km/h

As a result, the vehicle is traveling at 60 km/h. Regardless of orientation, this number shows how quickly the car is traveling the distance.

Velocity

The measurement of displacement change, or the rate at which displacement changes, is called velocity. Given that it is a vector quantity, its direction and magnitude are both known. The speed is defined as the magnitude of the velocity. Its magnitude may also be zero, positive, or negative. Usually, the sign v is used to represent velocity. However, depending on the problem’s information and convenience, this could change.

Formula of Velocity

Velocity=displacement/time

Here, displacement = Final position โ€“ initial position = x2โ€“x1 = โˆ†x

Time = time taken to cover the displacement = t2โ€“t1 = โˆ†t

Here,ย x2ย andย x1ย are final and initial posting respectively, and similarly,ย t2 and t1ย are final and initial time.

It can be mathematically expressed as,

????=ฮ”x/ฮ”t

It’s units and dimensional formula are similar to that of the speed

Unit: S.I. unit of measurement is m/s

Dimensional Formula: [M0L1Tโˆ’1]

Types of Velocity

The various types of velocities include instantaneous, average, variable, and uniform velocities.

Uniform velocity: When a particle travels the same distances in the same amounts of time, it is said to be traveling at a uniform velocityโ€”that is, its velocity stays constant throughout the motion. In other words, when a body moves at a constant speed, both the direction and the amount of the velocity are constant.

Non-uniform velocity or variable velocity: If a body’s direction, speed, or both vary over time, it is said to be moving with variable velocity.
Think of a body moving at a constant pace in a circle, for instance. Since its direction changes as it moves, its velocity is also variable.

Average velocity: Imagine a body traveling at a different speed. Average velocity is therefore defined as the ratio of total displacement to the total time interval.

Instantaneous velocity: Think about a body traveling at a different speed. The instantaneous velocity of an object is its velocity at a specific moment in time.

Difference Between Speed and Velocity

SpeedVelocity
DefinitionSpeed is defined as the measure of rate change of distance.Velocity is defined as the measure of rate change of displacement.
FormulaSpeed = Distance / TimeVelocity = Displacement / Time
QuantityIt is a scalar quantityIt is vector quantity
MagnitudeIts magnitude can be only positive and non-zero.Its magnitude can be positive, negative, or zero.
DirectionIt has no directionIt has direction
UnitsUnits of speed are commonly expressedย as m/s, km/h, or mph.Although velocity and speed have the same units, velocity also has a direction component (e.g., m/s east).
ExampleA car moving at 40 mphA car moving at 40 mph towards east

Video on the Difference Between Speed and Velocity

References

  • https://testbook.com/physics/difference-between-speed-and-velocity
  • https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/velocity/
  • https://www.mytutor.co.uk/answers/1645/GCSE/Science/What-s-the-difference-between-speed-and-velocity/
  • https://unacademy.com/content/jee/difference-between/speed-and-velocity/
  • https://infinitylearn.com/surge/physics/difference-between-speed-and-velocity/

About Author

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Jyoti Bashyal

Jyoti Bashyal, a graduate of the Central Department of Chemistry, is an avid explorer of the molecular realm. Fueled by her fascination with chemical reactions and natural compounds, she navigates her field's complexities with precision and passion. Outside the lab, Jyoti is dedicated to making science accessible to all. She aspires to deepen audiences' understanding of the wonders of various scientific subjects and their impact on the world by sharing them with a wide range of readers through herย writing.

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