Topic Summaries

Speed and velocity

GCSE > Physics > Edexcel > GCSE Physics Topic Summaries > Velocity and acceleration > Speed and velocity
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Science skills: Measuring results

  • Speed is a scalar quantity that describes how fast an object is moving (or increasing the distance it has travelled).
  • The constant speed and the distance travelled by an object are related by the equation \(\text{distance travelled}=\text{speed}\times\text{time}\). This equation can also be used to calculate the average speed of a complete journey.
  • Velocity is a vector quantity, given as an object’s speed in a particular direction.
  • Few objects move at a constant speed. They will have small variations in speed during their motion. This also applies to sound waves and wind.
  • The average speed at which people travel by walking, running or cycling is affected by numerous factors, including their age and fitness, how far they are travelling, and the terrain they are travelling on.
Motion Typical speed
Walking 1.5 m/s
Running 3 m/s
Cycling 6 m/s
Car (on a motorway) 30 m/s
Train 60 m/s
Jet plane 200 m/s
Sound wave 330 m/s

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