Speed and Velocity

Speed

A scalar quantity that describes ‘how fast or slow’ an object is moving

Distance/ Time = Speed

Velocity

A vector quantity that describes ‘how fast or slow’ in a given direction an object is traveling

Displacement/ Time = Velocity

*The sign tells you what direction you are going*

Examples:

An object travels 20 meters in 5 seconds. What is the objects speed?

20/5 = 4m/s

A dog moves from 20 meters to -40 in 1 minute. What is the dog’s velocity?

-1m/s

A person travels 60 meters in 10 seconds. What is the persons speed?

6m/s