The difference between Speed and Velocity is among the most intriguing subjects in Physics. The distinction between Velocity & Speed is also a frequent exam question in board exams and entrance tests for competitive exams such as JEE and NEET.
However, the terms velocity and Speed in our daily lives don’t mean anything distinct to the average person. However, when it comes to Mathematics/Physics, both terms are very distinct from one another.
The distinction between Velocity and Speed as a tabular representation is discussed to help students comprehend the concept of Velocity and Speed more effectively.
Before they can understand the distinction between Velocity and Speed, students need to understand the concept and characteristics of Speed and Velocity.
Definition of Speed
According to the definition, Speed refers to the rate at which an object’s change in distance travels in a specific time. In simple terms, it is the speed at which an object is moving in a direction.
That is, to measure Speed, there’s no requirement to take into account the direction of movement in an item. This is the reason Speed can be described as a scalar value. This means that it has a magnitude but not a direction.
For example, a Bugatti car traveling at 160 mph could move from 0 m/s to 100 m/s before hitting 140 m/s and exceeding 180 miles per hour. But the average speed is always going to be Bugattis speed.
In addition, let’s not forget that the S.I. measurement of Speed can be described as the m/s. The Velocity of an object could not be zero. Furthermore, because the S.I. measure of Speed is measured in m/s, its dimension of Speed is LT-1.
Let’s detail it further.
More Details about Speed
A speedometer on a car will help you figure out what the distinction is between Velocity and Speed. When the limit for Speed is 45 miles an hour, the speedometer will display at 45 miles an hour. So, if you drive 45 miles, you will be able to drive for about an hour. The road will turn, and the form does not matter; it’s only the surface that was covered.
Average Speed can be Speed’s sub-component. It’s the amount of distance you travel multiplied by the time it takes to complete it. Also, the relationship is directly proportional to distance and an inverse proportional relationship to the period.
Definition of Velocity
In essence, velocity refers to the rate of displacement change covered by any object per unit of time. Also, the term velocity is the change in Speed of time and the direction of movement of the object.
To determine Velocity, it is necessary to think about the direction of movement of the object. This is the reason why it is considered a vector number. It has direction and magnitude.
For instance, a high-speed bullet train operates at an average speed of 150 km/h. However, on the other hand, it would have a speed of 150 km/h in the south. And, of course, there is an S.I. measure of Velocity that can be meters per second.
The Speed of an object could be positive, negative as well as zero. Furthermore, since the S.I. measurement of Velocity is in m/s., the Velocity’s dimension is LT-1.
More Details about Velocity
If you are measuring the Speed of something, be sure to indicate the direction. For instance, if a vehicle moves quickly and then goes back to its starting point, then the Velocity will be zero.
The reason is that the car returns to its initial position, and its motion does not alter the location. Velocity may be variable or non-uniform and could change with the shift in direction or speed, or both.
Difference between Speed and Velocity
| Basis of Comparison | Speed | Velocity |
| Meaning | It’s the rate at which an object covers a given distance. | Velocity means the rate at which a given object changes its position in a specific direction. |
| Quantity | Speed is a scalar quantity as it comprises just of magnitude. | Velocity is a vector quantity. It comprises both direction and magnitude. |
| Indication | Speed defines how quickly an object is moving. | Velocity indicates how quickly an object is moving along with its initial position. |
| Value | Speed can’t be negative or zero. | Velocity may be zero, positive, or negative |
| S.I. Unit | Measured in m/s | Measured in m/s |
| Change of Direction | , it won’t matter If the object changes direction because the count of average speed continues. | The object’s velocity will change when the direction changes; thus, an object must follow a single direction. |
| Interrelation | Speed can/cannot equal velocity. | An object may have different velocities. However, speed remains the same. |
| Calculation | Difference traveled per unit of time. This is how we calculate the speed. | We calculate velocity as the displacement of an object per unit of time. |
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
The average speed doesn’t have to match the average velocity’s magnitude. Many people believe they are different, but average velocity and speed are simply different designations for the identical thing.
However, average speed varies on distance, while average velocity is determined by displacement. If an object is moving in a different direction along its journey, it will have an average speed higher than the average velocity.
The speed is a scalar, while average velocity can be described as a vector. Average velocity indicates direction and can be expressed in negative numbers when the displacement is negative. Average speed doesn’t indicate direction. It can be zero or positive.
Conclusion: 1 Core Similarity and 1 Core Difference
The core difference between these two units is that they both use the S.I. unit and are also one of the other primary units that are essentially similar in terms of average velocity and average speed. One major distinction between both of them is that it is the case that average speed can be described as a scalar value, and average velocity can be described as a vector.
So, that was all under Difference Between Speed And Velocity in Tabular Form, and we feel that differentiating charts and “Common mistakes and misconceptions” cleared your doubts. Just fit that chart in your mind, and no speed vs velocity question will trouble you in exams.
