Velocity

Velocity is like speed but with one extra part. It tells you how fast something is moving and which way. A car going 30 miles per hour north has a velocity. Just saying 30 miles per hour is only speed. Scientists use velocity to track motion very carefully.

Speed and Direction

Imagine two cars driving at the same speed. One goes north and the other goes south. Their speeds are the same, but their velocities are different. This is because their directions are not the same. Velocity includes both parts to give a full picture.

Measuring Velocity

Velocity can be shown as miles per hour, kilometers per hour, or meters per second. It is often drawn as an arrow. The arrow's length shows how fast. The arrow's direction shows which way. Airplanes and ships use velocity to plan their routes.

Fun Facts

• The fastest jet ever flew at a velocity over 2,000 miles per hour.
• Light has the fastest velocity in the universe.
• A snail's velocity is about 0.03 miles per hour.

Did You Know?

A spinning object like a merry-go-round has a changing velocity, even if its speed stays the same, because its direction keeps changing.