What is the difference between speed and velocity?

Speed and velocity are fundamental concepts in physics that relate to motion, but they differ in their characteristics. The correct distinction is that speed is a scalar quantity, meaning it only has magnitude and no direction. It tells us how fast an object is moving, typically described in units like meters per second or kilometers per hour, but does not provide information about the direction of movement.

On the other hand, velocity is a vector quantity, which means it possesses both magnitude and direction. This means that when we refer to velocity, we provide information about how fast an object is moving as well as the direction it is moving in, such as "30 kilometers per hour to the north."

Understanding this difference is crucial in physics, especially when analyzing motion, as it impacts how we interpret and apply concepts like acceleration, displacement, and overall motion dynamics. Knowing that speed and velocity carry different dimensions is essential for solving problems involving movement and force in the physical sciences.