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Dec 19, 2025

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Understanding Speed and Velocity: Simple Fundamentals

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suebwiwiwhwwiwn @sjebwiwbwjebnw

Ever wonder why your satnav tells you you're going "50 mph northeast" instead of just "50 mph"? Understanding... Show more

Speed and Velocity
What are
Speed is the rate at
which an object
Covers a distance
Speed is a scalar value whilst velocity is a vector
one.

Speed and Velocity - What's the Difference?

Speed tells you how fast something is moving - it's the rate at which an object covers distance. Think of it like your car's speedometer showing 30 mph. Velocity is speed with a twist - it includes direction too, like "30 mph towards Manchester."

The key difference lies in whether direction matters. Speed is a scalar quantity, which means it only has magnitude (size). Velocity is a vector quantity, so it has both magnitude and direction.

Here's the difference in action saying "the car moves at 50 m/s" describes speed, whilst "the car moves at 50 m/s east" describes velocity. That little word "east" changes everything!

Quick Tip Remember it this way - if you need to know which way something's going, you're talking about velocity, not speed.

Speed and Velocity
What are
Speed is the rate at
which an object
Covers a distance
Speed is a scalar value whilst velocity is a vector
one.

Calculating Speed and Velocity

Just like speed and velocity, distance and displacement aren't the same thing. Distance is scalar (just "10 metres"), whilst displacement is vector ("10 metres east"). Direction makes all the difference!

The calculations are straightforward. For speed distance travelled ÷ time taken = speed. So 100m ÷ 10s = 10 m/s. For velocity displacement ÷ time taken = velocity. So 100m north ÷ 10s = 10 m/s north.

Here's something clever - velocity can be negative! This doesn't mean you're going slower than zero; it means you're moving in the opposite direction. If east is positive, then west would be negative velocity.

Remember The formulas look nearly identical, but velocity always includes direction in both the calculation and the answer.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

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Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

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Elisha

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Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

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I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

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Brad T

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Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

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I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

 

Physics

82

Dec 19, 2025

2 pages

Understanding Speed and Velocity: Simple Fundamentals

user profile picture

suebwiwiwhwwiwn

@sjebwiwbwjebnw

Ever wonder why your satnav tells you you're going "50 mph northeast" instead of just "50 mph"? Understanding the difference between speed and velocity is crucial for physics - and it's simpler than you might think!

Speed and Velocity
What are
Speed is the rate at
which an object
Covers a distance
Speed is a scalar value whilst velocity is a vector
one.

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Speed and Velocity - What's the Difference?

Speed tells you how fast something is moving - it's the rate at which an object covers distance. Think of it like your car's speedometer showing 30 mph. Velocity is speed with a twist - it includes direction too, like "30 mph towards Manchester."

The key difference lies in whether direction matters. Speed is a scalar quantity, which means it only has magnitude (size). Velocity is a vector quantity, so it has both magnitude and direction.

Here's the difference in action: saying "the car moves at 50 m/s" describes speed, whilst "the car moves at 50 m/s east" describes velocity. That little word "east" changes everything!

Quick Tip: Remember it this way - if you need to know which way something's going, you're talking about velocity, not speed.

Speed and Velocity
What are
Speed is the rate at
which an object
Covers a distance
Speed is a scalar value whilst velocity is a vector
one.

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Calculating Speed and Velocity

Just like speed and velocity, distance and displacement aren't the same thing. Distance is scalar (just "10 metres"), whilst displacement is vector ("10 metres east"). Direction makes all the difference!

The calculations are straightforward. For speed: distance travelled ÷ time taken = speed. So 100m ÷ 10s = 10 m/s. For velocity: displacement ÷ time taken = velocity. So 100m north ÷ 10s = 10 m/s north.

Here's something clever - velocity can be negative! This doesn't mean you're going slower than zero; it means you're moving in the opposite direction. If east is positive, then west would be negative velocity.

Remember: The formulas look nearly identical, but velocity always includes direction in both the calculation and the answer.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

0

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Similar Content

Forces and Motion Concepts

Explore key principles of forces and motion, including Newton's Laws, momentum, and braking distance. This summary covers essential equations, factors affecting braking, and the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration. Ideal for GCSE Physics revision.

PhysicsPhysics
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Kinematics and Forces Overview

Explore the fundamental concepts of kinematics and forces in physics, including scalar and vector quantities, Newton's Laws of Motion, and key equations for speed, acceleration, and weight. This summary provides essential insights for understanding motion and mechanics, ideal for Edexcel Physics Paper 1 preparation.

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Explore key concepts in Forces and Motion, including Acceleration, Circular Motion, Freefall, Speed & Velocity, Newton’s Laws, Kinetic Energy, and Momentum. This summary covers essential topics such as Stopping Distance, Inertial Mass, and the effects of forces on motion, providing a comprehensive understanding for physics students.

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Most popular content: Vector

Most popular content in Physics

Most popular content

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user