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Question 16 of 20 in The difference between speed and velocity

The difference between speed and velocity

2 marks · Normal

Explain why velocity is a vector quantity but speed is a scalar quantity.

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Velocity has both magnitude and direction; speed has only magnitude.

Also accept: Velocity includes direction, speed does not.

Common mistakes: Confusing direction for both

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Marking points

B1 · 1 mark · States velocity has size and direction.

B2 · 1 mark · States speed has only size (magnitude).

Worked solution

Velocity is a vector because it gives both how fast and in what direction an object moves. Speed only gives how fast; it has no direction.

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