Contents
Key Stage 3
Meaning
Velocity is very similar to speed but it includes the direction an object is moving.
Key Stage 4
Meaning
Velocity is a vector quantity describing the speed and direction of a moving object.
About Velocity
- Velocity is a scalar because it has magnitude and direction.
- The SI Unit for the magnitude of velocity is metres per second (m/s).
- Velocity is different from its scalar counterpart 'speed' because speed does not include the direction of travel.
- The velocity of an object can change while the speed remains constant.
Equation
Velocity = (Displacement) / (time)
\(v = \frac{x}{t}\)
Where\[v\] = Velocity of the object.
\(x\) = The displacement between the starting point and end point of a journey.
\(t\) = The time taken between the two points.