No, speed is not a vector in physics.
Speed vs. Velocity
- Speed is a scalar quantity, meaning it only has magnitude (amount). It tells you how fast something is moving. For example, a car traveling at 60 mph has a speed of 60 mph.
- Velocity is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. It tells you how fast something is moving and in what direction. For example, a car traveling at 60 mph east has a velocity of 60 mph east.
Examples
- Speed: A runner completes a 100-meter race in 10 seconds. Their speed is 10 meters per second.
- Velocity: A plane flies at 500 miles per hour in a northwesterly direction. Its velocity is 500 miles per hour northwest.
Key Differences
| Feature | Speed | Velocity |
|---|---|---|
| Magnitude | Yes | Yes |
| Direction | No | Yes |
| Examples | 60 mph, 10 meters per second | 60 mph east, 10 meters per second north |
In conclusion, speed only tells you how fast something is moving, while velocity tells you both how fast and in what direction.
