The terms speed and velocity are often used interchangeably. This is incorrect, and I will explain why below.

Speed is a scalar measurement of the rate of movement of an object expressed as the distance traveled divided by the time taken. It is measured in miles per hour, feet per second, etc.

Velocity is a vector measurement of a moving object in a particular direction. It includes both the speed and direction that something travels.

For example, if the TV weatherman says the wind will be blowing at 15 miles per hour tonight, he’s describing speed. If he says the wind will be blowing at 15 miles per hour tonight from the north, he’s describing velocity.

INTERESTING FACTS
  1. Galileo was the first scientist to measure speed as the distance divided by time.
  2. The speed of light is 186,282 miles per second.
  3. The speed of sound is 0.21313 miles per second.
INTERESTING VIDEO

INTERESTING REFERENCES
  1. UniverseToday.com – WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SPEED AND VELOCITY?
  2. KeyDifferences.com – Difference Between Speed and Velocity
  3. Ducksters.com – Speed and Velocity

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