Are Speed, Acceleration, and Velocity the Same?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the distinctions between speed, acceleration, and velocity, exploring their definitions and relationships within the context of physics. The scope includes conceptual clarification and technical explanation.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that speed is a scalar measurement defined only by magnitude, while velocity is a vector measurement defined by both magnitude and direction.
  • It is proposed that acceleration represents a change in velocity, applicable when either the magnitude or direction of velocity changes.
  • Examples are provided to illustrate these concepts, such as speed being quantified as 100 km/h, velocity as 100 km/h east, and acceleration as actions like taking a corner or changing speed.
  • One participant mentions the usefulness of an external website for basic explanations of these concepts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the distinctions between speed, velocity, and acceleration, though no consensus is reached on the depth of understanding or examples provided.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference external resources for definitions, indicating a potential variability in the understanding of these concepts based on different educational materials.

gatorgirl
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Is speed, acceleration and velocity the same?
 
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Welcome to PF, Gatorgirl.
Just to jump-start it: speed is a scalar measurement, which is defined only by its magnitude; velocity is a vector measurement, which is defined by both magnitude and direction; acceleration is a change of velocity, so it applies if either the magnitude or the direction is altered.
In everyday terms, speed would be something like 100 km/h; velocity would be 100 km/h east; acceleration would be taking a corner or hitting the brakes or gas pedal (brakes would be a negative acceleration, but still an acceleration).
 
Thanks. The website is helpful in explaining it on a very basic level. My textbook is written by UF and it provides few examples.
 
Thank You :)
 

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