“The velocity is 60 mph.”
Usage Entry 1329 / 1605 60-second read
Speed vs. Velocity
How fast something moves versus how fast and in what direction.
The comparisoni
“The speed is 60 mph. Velocity would be "60 mph north" — it includes direction.”
The ruleii
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SPEED = scalar. VELOCITY = vector.
SPEED is how fast something moves — a scalar (magnitude only). VELOCITY is how fast and in what direction — a vector (magnitude and direction). 60 mph is a speed; 60 mph north is a velocity. Same magnitude; velocity adds direction.
Memory aidiii
Remember it like this
Speed = number. Velocity = number + direction.