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31 Dec 2025

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Physics Basics: Speed, Velocity, and Acceleration Defined

Gracie

@gracefulgracie

Physics motion concepts might seem tricky at first, but they're... Show more

Physics: Distance, Speed ~ Velocity,
Scalar (value)
Vector
(value)
-only has a magnitude has a magnitude + direction
e.g someone runs at 4m/

Distance, Speed, and Velocity Basics

Understanding scalar and vector quantities is your first step to mastering motion in physics. Scalars only have a magnitude (size), whilst vectors have both magnitude and direction - think of it like the difference between saying "I'm going 4 m/s" versus "I'm going 4 m/s east".

Distance and speed are scalar quantities because they don't worry about direction. If someone runs 550m in any direction, that's still 550m of distance covered. Displacement and velocity, however, are vectors because direction matters - walking 4 m/s north is completely different from walking 4 m/s south.

The speed formula is dead simple: Speed = distance travelled ÷ time taken, or S = d/t. For example, if you travel 550m in 10 seconds, your speed is 550 ÷ 10 = 55 m/s. Velocity uses the same calculation but with displacement instead of distance: V = displacement ÷ time.

Quick Tip: Remember that velocity is just speed with a direction attached - so 55 m/s east is a velocity, whilst 55 m/s on its own is just speed.

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31 Dec 2025

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1 page

Physics Basics: Speed, Velocity, and Acceleration Defined

Gracie

@gracefulgracie

Physics motion concepts might seem tricky at first, but they're actually quite straightforward once you understand the basics. This guide breaks down distance, speed, velocity, and acceleration in simple terms that'll help you tackle any physics problem with confidence.

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Distance, Speed, and Velocity Basics

Quick Tip: Remember that velocity is just speed with a direction attached - so 55 m/s east is a velocity, whilst 55 m/s on its own is just speed.