What is the difference between speed and velocity and acceleration?

1 Answer
Jan 3, 2016

see explanation below

Explanation:

Speed is the distance travelled per unit time irrespective of direction, so only magnitude is of importance, and that it is a scalar quantity. Speed can be calculated using the formula: (distance)/(time)

Velocity is the distance travelled per unit time in a specific direction, so both magnitude and direction are important, and that it is a vector quantity. Velocity can be calculated using the formula: (displacement)/(time)

Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity of an object. Magnitude and direction are both considered, so it is a vector quantity. Acceleration can be calculated using the formula: a=(v-u)/t, where a=acceleration, v=final velocity, u=initial velocity and t=time.