Difference between Speed and Velocity

Difference between Speed and Velocity

Speed

1.) Speed is defined as the total distance travelled by object per unit time during the motion.

2.) Formula for finding the speed can be written as,

∴ Speed = (total distance)/time

If the motion of object starts from point A and ends at E, then covers paths x1 in time t1, x2 in time t2, x3 in time t3,and x4 in time t4 then

Then the total distance in this case is, x= x1+x2+x3+ x4

total time in will be, t= t1+t2+t3+ t4

Speed, v = x/t

3.) SI unit of speed is meter per second (m/s)

4.) Changing the direction of measurement of distance, magnitude is not affected hence the speed is scalar quantity.

5.) The magnitude of speed is always positive. It cannot be negative or zero.

6.) Suppose the object covers the distances of 10 m, 12 m and 18 m in time intervals of 6 s, 8 s and 6 s. The average speed of object can be derived as,

Velocity

1.) Velocity is defined as the rate of change of displacement or The displacement of particle per unit time.

2.) Formula for finding the speed can be written as,

∴ Velocity = (Displacement)/time

If the motion of object starts from point A and ends at E, then covers paths x1 in time t1, x2 in time t2, x3 in time t3,and x4 in time t4 then

3.) SI unit of speed is meter per second (m/s)

4.) Changing the direction of measurement of affects the magnitude of displacement, hence velocity is vector quantity.

5.) The magnitude velocity can be positive, negative or zero.

6.) Magnitude of speed and velocity will be same if the displacement of object is along straight line and having same initial and final points of motion.

Updated: September 15, 2021 — 1:48 pm

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