Open the App

Subjects

Physics

13 Dec 2025

82

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... 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 a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and 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
9

Forces in Physics: Key Concepts

Explore essential concepts in Physics related to forces, including static equilibrium, kinetic energy, momentum, and Newton's Laws of Motion. This comprehensive booklet features past paper questions and mark schemes to help identify and strengthen your understanding of key topics. Ideal for students preparing for exams in AQA Physics.

PhysicsPhysics
9

Understanding Velocity & Acceleration

Explore the fundamental concepts of velocity and acceleration in this GCSE Physics summary. Learn about vector quantities, how to calculate average acceleration, and apply kinematic equations with practical examples. Ideal for students preparing for exams.

PhysicsPhysics
9

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.

PhysicsPhysics
9

Forces and Motion Overview

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.

PhysicsPhysics
9

Momentum and Collisions

Explore the principles of momentum, including linear momentum, types of collisions (elastic and inelastic), and the conservation of momentum in closed systems. This summary provides essential insights for Edexcel Physics Paper 1, focusing on key concepts and formulas related to momentum and its applications.

PhysicsPhysics
10

Most popular content: Vector

Most popular content in Physics

Most popular content

English - inspector calls quotes and analysis

Quotes from every main character

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
10

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

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

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

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

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 apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

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

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

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

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

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 apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Physics

82

13 Dec 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 a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and 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
9

Forces in Physics: Key Concepts

Explore essential concepts in Physics related to forces, including static equilibrium, kinetic energy, momentum, and Newton's Laws of Motion. This comprehensive booklet features past paper questions and mark schemes to help identify and strengthen your understanding of key topics. Ideal for students preparing for exams in AQA Physics.

PhysicsPhysics
9

Understanding Velocity & Acceleration

Explore the fundamental concepts of velocity and acceleration in this GCSE Physics summary. Learn about vector quantities, how to calculate average acceleration, and apply kinematic equations with practical examples. Ideal for students preparing for exams.

PhysicsPhysics
9

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.

PhysicsPhysics
9

Forces and Motion Overview

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.

PhysicsPhysics
9

Momentum and Collisions

Explore the principles of momentum, including linear momentum, types of collisions (elastic and inelastic), and the conservation of momentum in closed systems. This summary provides essential insights for Edexcel Physics Paper 1, focusing on key concepts and formulas related to momentum and its applications.

PhysicsPhysics
10

Most popular content: Vector

Most popular content in Physics

Most popular content

English - inspector calls quotes and analysis

Quotes from every main character

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
10

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

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

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

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

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 apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

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

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

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

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

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 apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user