Velocity (Edexcel GCSE Physics)

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Velocity

  • The velocity of a moving object is similar to its speed, except it also describes the object’s direction
    • The speed of an object only contains a magnitude - it’s a scalar quantity
    • The velocity of an object contains both magnitude and direction, e.g. ‘15 m/s south’ or ‘250 mph on a bearing of 030°’

  • Velocity is therefore a vector quantity because it describes both magnitude and direction

Speed & Velocity, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

The cars in the diagram above have the same speed (a scalar quantity) but different velocities (a vector quantity). Fear not, they are in different lanes!

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Ashika

Author: Ashika

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Ashika graduated with a first-class Physics degree from Manchester University and, having worked as a software engineer, focused on Physics education, creating engaging content to help students across all levels. Now an experienced GCSE and A Level Physics and Maths tutor, Ashika helps to grow and improve our Physics resources.