Speed vs. Velocity
Main DifferenceSpeed and velocity are the two interrelated terms that are often used interchangeably, but the one knowing basics of physics can easily differentiate it between both these terms. While differentiating it between both these terms, informally, we can say that velocity is the speed with a direction. Actually, the speed is the magnitude of velocity which is irrespective of direction. Therefore, speed is a scalar quantity (needs no direction for representation), whereas velocity is the vector quantity (needs direction for representation). For example, when we say that we are driving at 80km/h, this will be the speed, although when we will say that we are driving at 80km/h towards East, this is the velocity. Speed is the distance traveled by a body within the specific time, on the other hand, velocity is the rate of change of displacement of the body within the specific time and in a specific direction. The speed of the object can be calculated as distance traveled /time taken, while the velocity of an object can be calculated using formula displacement/time taken.
Difference Between Speed and Velocity
Speed vs. Velocity
Speed is the distance traveled by a body within the specific time, on the other hand, velocity is the rate of change of displacement of the body within the specific time and in a specific direction.
Speed vs. Velocity
Speed is a scalar quantity (needs no direction for representation), whereas velocity is the vector quantity (needs direction for representation).
Speed vs. Velocity
The speed of the object can be calculated as distance traveled /time taken, while the velocity of an object can be calculated using formula displacement/time taken.
Speednoun
The state of moving quickly or the capacity for rapid motion; rapidity.
How does Usain Bolt run at that speed?Velocitynoun
(physics) A vector quantity that denotes the rate of change of position with respect to time, or a speed with the directional component.
Speednoun
The rate of motion or action, specifically (mathematics)/(physics) the magnitude of the velocity; the rate distance is traversed in a given time.
Velocitynoun
Rapidity of motion.
Speednoun
(photography) The sensitivity to light of film, plates or sensor.
Velocitynoun
The rate of occurrence.
Speednoun
(photography) The duration of exposure, the time during which a camera shutter is open.
Velocitynoun
(economics) The number of times that an average unit of currency is spent during a specific period of time.
Speednoun
(photography) The largest size of the lens opening at which a lens can be used.
Velocitynoun
distance travelled per unit time
Speednoun
(photography) The ratio of the focal length to the diameter of a photographic objective.
Speednoun
Amphetamine or any amphetamine-based drug (especially methamphetamine) used as a stimulant, especially illegally.
Speednoun
(archaic) Luck, success, prosperity.
Speednoun
(slang) Personal preference.
We could go to the shore next week, or somewhere else if that's not your speed.Speednoun
A third-order measure of derivative price sensitivity, expressed as the rate of change of gamma with respect to changes in the underlying asset price.
Speedverb
To succeed; to prosper, be lucky.
Speedverb
To help someone, to give them fortune; to aid or favour.
God speed, until we meet again.Speedverb
(intransitive) To go fast.
The Ferrari was speeding along the road.Speedverb
(intransitive) To exceed the speed limit.
Why do you speed when the road is so icy?Speedverb
(transitive) To increase the rate at which something occurs.
Speedverb
To be under the influence of stimulant drugs, especially amphetamines.
Speedverb
(obsolete) To be expedient.
Speedverb
(archaic) To hurry to destruction; to put an end to; to ruin.
Speedverb
(archaic) To wish success or good fortune to, in any undertaking, especially in setting out upon a journey.
Speedverb
To cause to make haste; to dispatch with celerity; to drive at full speed; hence, to hasten; to hurry.
Speedverb
To hasten to a conclusion; to expedite.
Speednoun
distance travelled per unit time
Speednoun
a rate (usually rapid) at which something happens;
the project advanced with gratifying speedSpeednoun
changing location rapidly
Speednoun
the ratio of the focal length to the diameter of a (camera) lens system
Speednoun
a central nervous system stimulant that increases energy and decreases appetite; used to treat narcolepsy and some forms of depression
Speedverb
step on it;
He rushed down the hall to receive his guestsThe cars raced down the streetSpeedverb
move faster;
The car acceleratedSpeedverb
travel at an excessive or illegal velocity;
I got a ticket for speedingSpeedverb
move very fast;
The runner zipped past us at breakneck speedSpeedverb
cause to move faster;
He accelerated the carComparison Chart
| Speed | Velocity |
| Speed is the distance traveled by a body within the specific time. | Velocity is the rate of change of displacement of the body within the specific time and in a specific direction. |
| Type of Quantity | |
| Scalar Quantity | Vector Quantity |
| Formula | |
| distance traveled /time taken | displacement/time taken |
| Example | |
| When we say that we are driving at 80km/h, this will be the speed. | When we will say that we are driving at 80km/h towards East, this will be the velocity. |
What is Speed?
Speed is the distance covered by a body in per unit time irrespective of the direction. It is a scalar quantity as it doesn’t needs direction for its representation. The speed of the object can be simply calculated by using the formula distance traveled /time taken. Some of the other famous concepts of speed are instantaneous speed and average speed, one often mix these terms. When we are travelling on a car at speed of 100km/h, we say that we are going at speed of 100km/h, actually this is the instantaneous speed, which means it would be the speed of the body at that specific time , it may vary at any other time. Although when we refer to the average speed, it is the total distance covered/ total time taken. For example, you have covered 400 km’s of distance in 5 hours, the average speed will be 80km/h (diving total distance by the total time taken). The instantaneous speed within the 5 hours of traveling might have fallen or increase, but the most likely speed carried on with comes as the average speed f the object. The SI unit of measuring speed is ms-1, although it can also be denoted in miles per hour or kilometer per hour depending upon the distance being covered with respect to time.
What is Velocity?
Velocity is the rate of change of displacement of the body in per unit time in the specific direction.. t is the vector quantity as it needs direction as compulsory for its representation. Actually the reason of speed being scalar and velocity being vector quantity is that, speed deals with the distance, which itself is a scalar quantity, whereas velocity deals with the displacement, which itself is a vector quantity. Displacement can be defined as the change of position of the body. The most relative term to velocity is the acceleration, which is actually the change of velocity of the body. When the body in motion changes its velocity, actually it is accelerating. As mentioned above velocity needs direction for its representation, when we say that we are travelling at 60mph towards North, it is the velocity and here if we will not discuss the direction ‘North’, it will be the speed. The SI unit of velocity is the same as for the speed, ms-1.
