Physics·General Physics · NSSCO 2.3.2
Speed & velocity
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Everything around us moves — cars, runners, even a falling leaf. In this lesson we learn to measure exactly how fast, using the equation speed = distance ÷ time. We'll master its two units (m/s and km/h), find average speed for a whole journey, rearrange the equation with the handy speed triangle to find a distance or a time, and finally meet velocity — which is simply speed with a direction attached.
What you'll learn in this lesson
By the end you should be able to (NSSCO Physics 2.3.2):
- Define speed as the rate of change of distance, and recall and use speed = distance ÷ time
- Recall and use average speed = total distance ÷ total time
- Choose and convert between the units of speed (m/s and km/h)
- Rearrange the speed equation to calculate a distance or a time
- Define velocity as speed in a stated direction, and explain positive and negative velocity
- Distinguish between speed (a scalar) and velocity (a vector) by their similarities and differences
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