Every object or person is movable to some extent, although exceptions are always there. The movements might seem obvious, but they have science behind it.
A branch of science, physics, plays an important role in understanding the movements of objects or people.
For example, acceleration can probably be seen in cars in daily life. Still, the meaning of acceleration is different in physics, which is more technical in giving the reasons behind them.
A few terms are used interchangeably in regular life, but they are different in technical terms; for example, acceleration, speed, race, or velocity, etc., resemble each other in regular life but in technical terms, they are different.
Key Takeaways
- Speed is a scalar quantity that measures the rate at which an object covers distance, expressed as distance per unit of time (e.g., miles per hour or meters per second).
- Acceleration is a vector quantity that measures the rate of change in an object’s velocity, expressed as the change in velocity per unit of time (e.g., meters per second squared).
- The main distinction between speed and acceleration is that speed represents the rate of distance covered, while acceleration represents the rate at which an object’s velocity changes over time.
Speed vs. Acceleration
Speed is a scalar quantity that measures the rate at which an object moves but does not provide direction. Acceleration is a vector quantity that measures the rate at which an object’s velocity changes. An object can accelerate if its speed increases, decreases, or changes direction.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of comparison | Speed | Acceleration |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity type | Scalar quantity | Vector quantity |
| Types | Uniform, variable, average, and instantaneous speed | Uniform, non- uniform, and average acceleration |
| Factors determining | Distance and time | Velocity and time |
| Relation with motion | Rate of motion | Direction and rate of motion |
What is Speed?
Speed is the scalar quantity that gives the idea of how fast the object is moving; in more technical terms, speed is the magnitude of change in the position of a moving object. Speed has a unit, that is, cm.s (CGS system) and m.s (SI system)
Speed is of four types, those are;
- Uniform speed: when the object covers an equal distance in an equal interval of time is said to have a uniform speed.
- Variable speed: when the object covers different distances in equal intervals, the object is said in variable speed.
- Average speed: it can be defined as the uniform speed given by the ratio of the total distance traveled by an object to the total time taken by the object.
- Instantaneous speed: when the speed of an object is variable, then the speed of that object at any instant is said to be instantaneous speed.
Speed is determined by two factors: distance and time. The formula of speed is
S = D / T
- S – Speed
- D – Distance covered
- T – Time is taken
Speed is measured by distance-time graph for better understanding. A speedometer measures speed in vehicles, whereas the odometer covers the distance. Seed can fluctuate depending upon the person in the case of vehicles driven.
Some examples of speed are; a car being driven at 60 km per hour, a cheetah running at 130 km per hour, the speed of writing of a person, like writing one page in ten minutes is considered as writing speed of a person, etc.
What is Acceleration?
Acceleration is the rate of change in velocity of a moving object concerning time. Acceleration is said to be a vector quantity. The unit of acceleration is m/s.
Acceleration is of three types, those are;
- Uniform acceleration is the type of acceleration in which the velocity is uniform with the change in time. This is possible in the case of circular motions.
- Non-uniform acceleration is the type of acceleration in which velocity changes over time.
- Average acceleration is the type of acceleration in which the total change in velocity in a given interval is divided by the total time taken for the change.
Acceleration is determined by a few factors those are; change in velocity and time, and it can be measured with the help of a formula, which is –
Acceleration = (final velocity)- (initial velocity) / time
Acceleration is explained with the help of graphs better. It is confused with velocity or speed, but it differs from both.
Some examples of acceleration are; when the car is speed, or when the car is slow down, or the car taking a turn, falling from a bridge, climbing the bridge, fruits falling from a tree, or any object moving in north, south, west, or east direction, etc.
Main Differences Between Speed and Acceleration
- Speed is the distance covered in the unit of time, whereas acceleration is the rate of change in the speed.
- Speed is the scalar quantity. On the contrary, acceleration is the vector quantity.
- Speed is determined by distance and time, whereas velocity and time determine acceleration.
- Speed can remain constant in every case, but acceleration is not uniform except for circular motion.
- Speed is related to the rate of motion only, whereas acceleration is related to the direction and rate of motion.
- Speed is calculated with displacement, whereas acceleration is calculated with velocity.
- https://e-space.mmu.ac.uk/3518/1/williams%20-%20specificity%20of%20acceleration.pdf
- https://ascelibrary.org/doi/abs/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-947X(2002)128:2(182)
Last Updated : 11 June, 2023
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
The article’s sarcasm when discussing speed and acceleration offers a fresh perspective on physics principles, making the read quite entertaining.
I believe the sarcasm detracts from the seriousness of the topic and may lead to confusion among readers.
I completely agree, the article’s use of sarcasm breathes life into these scientific concepts and makes them more approachable.
The explanation of the difference between speed and acceleration is very detailed and clarified all the doubts I had. Great read!
I totally agree, this article helps to understand these concepts in a clearer way.
The humorous comparisons used in the article provide an enjoyable approach to learning about speed and acceleration.
I found the tone of the article to be rather simplistic, but I understand its appeal to readers seeking a more casual learning experience.
The light-hearted tone makes the article engaging and adds interest to the otherwise complex topic.
The author’s argument about the differences between speed and acceleration is well-supported and adds clarity to the subject matter.
Absolutely, the article presents a compelling argument through logical and coherent explanations.
The article is quite informative and covers a broad range of examples for both speed and acceleration.
I concur, the real-world examples make it easier to relate to the theories of speed and acceleration.
Indeed, the included examples are helpful in reinforcing the understanding of these concepts.
The article effectively debunks common misconceptions regarding speed and acceleration, ensuring a thorough understanding of these concepts.
Absolutely, the accurate information presented in the article helps clarify any confusion surrounding speed and acceleration.
I think the article’s explanation of speed and acceleration is oversimplified and misses some important details.
Yes, I think it provides a good basic understanding for those new to physics.
I disagree, the article is concise, yet effective in explaining the concepts.
The comical approach used in the article may help readers retain the information better, but it may also compromise the authoritative nature of the content.
I see your point, the balance between humor and authority in scientific writing is crucial to maintain credibility.
I appreciate the article breaking down speed and acceleration into easily understandable concepts.
Absolutely, the terms are made more accessible to those without advanced physics knowledge.
The article explains these concepts in a very elementary manner, leaving little room for more in-depth exploration.
The simplistic approach is suitable for readers unfamiliar with physics, but I agree that further elaboration would be beneficial for advanced learners.