Speed and Velocity

Explain the distinction between vector and scalar quantities as it applies to displacement, distance, velocity, and speed.
Define distance as a scalar quantity representing how far an object moves, independent of direction.
Define displacement as a vector quantity representing the distance an object moves in a straight line from start to finish, including direction.
Define speed as a scalar quantity that does not involve direction.
Define velocity as a vector quantity representing the speed of an object in a given direction.
Recall typical speeds encountered in everyday experience for walking (1.5 m/s), running (3 m/s), cycling (6 m/s), wind, and sound (330 m/s).
Understand that the speed of moving objects, such as walking people or cars, is rarely constant and depends on various factors.

What you need to know