Speed, velocity, and acceleration are all related to motion, but they describe different aspects of it. Speed is how fast an object is moving, regardless of direction. It's a scalar quantity, meaning it only has magnitude. Velocity is speed with a direction; it's a vector quantity. Acceleration is the rate at which an object's velocity changes. This change can be in speed, direction, or both!
Imagine a car: the speedometer tells you the car's speed. If you say the car is going 60 mph east, you're giving its velocity. If the car speeds up, slows down, or turns, it is accelerating.
Match the terms with their definitions:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 1. Speed | A. The rate of change of velocity. |
| 2. Velocity | B. The distance an object travels per unit of time with direction. |
| 3. Acceleration | C. The distance an object travels per unit of time. |
(Answers: 1-C, 2-B, 3-A)
Complete the following paragraph with the correct words:
When an object's _______ remains constant, its acceleration is _______. Velocity is a _______ quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and _______. If a car goes around a curve at a constant speed, its _______ is changing, so it is accelerating.
(Answers: velocity, zero, vector, direction, direction)
Explain, in your own words, the difference between speed and velocity. Give an example to illustrate your explanation.
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