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

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 differences between speed vs 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 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 basic differences 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

Distinguish Between Speed and Velocity with Example

Understanding the distinguish 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 distinguish between speed and velocity is provided in the table below so that you may better comprehend the differences between speed and velocity.

Difference Between Speed and Velocity Class 9, 11 Physics

Speed and velocity are both measures of motion, but they differ in their definitions and implications:

Speed:

• Definition: Speed is a scalar quantity that measures how fast an object is moving, regardless of its direction.
• Formula: Speed = Distance / Time
• Units: Commonly measured in meters per second (m/s) or kilometers per hour (km/h).
• Direction: Speed does not consider direction; it only accounts for the magnitude of movement.

Velocity:

• Definition: Velocity is a vector quantity that measures the rate at which an object changes its position, including the direction of that change.
• Formula: Velocity = Displacement / Time
• Units: Same as speed, commonly m/s or km/h.
• Direction: Velocity includes both the magnitude (speed) and the direction of motion.

Key Differences:

1. Nature: Speed is a scalar (magnitude only), while velocity is a vector (magnitude and direction).
2. Direction: Speed ignores direction; velocity depends on it.
3. Examples:
   • If a car is moving at 60 km/h, that’s its speed.
   • If the car is moving at 60 km/h to the north, that’s its velocity.

Conclusion:

• An object can have a constant speed but changing velocity if it changes direction (e.g., moving in a circle).
• If the direction of motion is constant, speed and velocity have the same magnitude.

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