Kinematic Concepts - Mission KC3 Detailed Help


In terms of their definitions, an essential difference between velocity and speed is that ____.


 
Definition of Speed:
The speed of a moving object refers to how fast the object is moving. It is the distance traveled per unit of time.


Definition of Velocity:
The velocity of a moving object is the rate at which the object changes its position.


 
Average speed is a quantity that is based upon a measurement of distance and time. Distance is a scalar quantity. Being based upon distance, speed is a scalar quantity as well.

Average velocity is a quantity that is based upon a measurement of displacement (change in position) and time. Displacement is a vector quantity. Being based upon displacement, velocity is a vector quantity as well.