Understanding the Difference Between Speed and Velocity

In physics, the terms speed and velocity are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Speed is a scalar quantity that measures the distance traveled per unit of time, while velocity is a vector quantity that measures both the speed and the direction of an object's motion. To put it simply, speed tells us how fast an object is moving, while velocity tells us both how fast it's moving and in which direction. This distinction is crucial in understanding the motion of objects in the physical world.