What are the differences between speed and velocity?

Both velocity and speed are terms in physics that can be used to calculate the total distance covered by an object. However, there are some differences between them. The velocity of an object can be defined as the distance traveled by it with respect to time in a particular direction. Speed of an object, on the other hand, is the distance traveled by it with respect to time.

The main difference here is that velocity reveals the direction which the object is moving, whereas speed only talks about distance. Also, velocity is a vector quantity. This means it has both magnitude and direction. When an object moves from point A to B, it also shows its direction. Speed, on the other hand, is a scalar quantity. It has only magnitude but no direction. Invariably, we can define speed as velocity without direction, and velocity as the speed with direction.

There are some significant differences between speed and velocity. There are different variables which go into determining both, and they must be calculated separately. Velocity is based on the rate of speed, and how an object can change as it moves. Speed is the rate of motion in which an object moves. Velocity is more about the changes that objects go through, increased and decreased speeds, and more. Speed figures out how fast something is moving in any one direction.

Speed does not cause an object to change shape as it progresses. How fast objects can move is dictated by the many mediums around it, such as air, wind, and space. Objects can also change direction while they are in motion, due to the velocity and the way that different mediums affect it. Speed is not affected by orientation as it comes to measurement.