Velocity? Isn’t that just a posh word for speed?
Whilst speed and velocity are both measured in m/s (or sometimes km/h or mph, depending on the context) and both specify how fast one is travelling, there is a slight difference between the two, which you are expected to know at GCSE level, so pay attention!
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Speed is merely how fast you are travelling (e.g. 20m/s or 35mph), but does not regard direction.
Velocity however does regard how fast you are travelling and direction (e.g. 20m/s South or 35mph 080°).
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But what if I can’t remember the difference between speed and velocity?
There is a very simple way to remember the difference, and hence not lose those precious marks in exam condition… remember this picture:
The velociraptor is travelling with great velocity East at 30mph, because he’s late for the gentleman’s ball.
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Now you know the difference between velocity and speed, I’m afraid you’ll have to learn the dreaded formula triangle for speed, distance and time…
- Speed is measured in m/s
- Distance is measured in m
- Time is measured in s
If you simply can’t recall the formula triangle, an easy way to remember it is that from the top of the triangle going downwards, you can spell ‘distance’… works for me!
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ALSO NOTE: VELOCITY CAN REPLACE SPEED IN THE ABOVE FORMULA, TO MAKE VELOCITY=DISTANCE/TIME… ALTHOUGH IT’S HIGHLY UNLIKELY TO APPEAR ON THE ACTUAL EXAM PAPER.
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For more GCSE Physics revision tidbits, please click here for more! Thank you for reading, and I hope this helps! :)
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