What is the Distinction Between Velocity and Speed?

If we think normally then we will not find any difference or distinction between velocity and speed. Both of these two seems to be the same thing to us. But the truth is that is two are not the same. Speed and velocity refers to two different things. So, lets see what is the distinction between velocity and speed...

Speed

• The rate of change of distance or position of a particle is called speed.
• It is a scalar quantity.
• It is measured by speedometer.
• Speed is always positive, it can never be a negative one.
• The addition, subtraction of it is done by algebraic rules

Velocity

• The rate of change of displacement of a particle is called velocity
• It is a vector quantity as it has a direction.
• It is measured by velatometer.
• Velocity may be positive or negative
• The addition, subtraction of it cannot be done by algebraic rules.

I hope that now you have understand why velocity and speed is different.. :) Cheers...