Speed, velocity, and acceleration are all related to displacement over time. Here's how they are connected:
Displacement: Displacement refers to the change in position or the distance between the starting point and the ending point of an object. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude (distance) and direction.
Speed: Speed is a scalar quantity that represents the rate at which an object covers a certain distance. It is calculated by dividing the distance traveled by the time taken. Speed does not take into account the direction of motion; it only considers the magnitude. The average speed is given by the formula:
Speed = Total distance / Total time
Velocity: Velocity is a vector quantity that combines speed with direction. It represents the rate at which an object changes its position. Velocity is calculated by dividing the displacement by the time taken. The average velocity is given by the formula:
Velocity = Displacement / Time
Unlike speed, velocity takes into account the direction of motion. If an object is moving in a straight line, its velocity will have the same direction as its displacement.
Acceleration: Acceleration measures the rate of change of velocity. It is a vector quantity and is calculated by dividing the change in velocity by the time taken. The average acceleration is given by the formula:
Acceleration = Change in velocity / Time
Acceleration can be positive (when an object speeds up) or negative (when an object slows down or changes direction). If an object maintains a constant velocity, its acceleration is zero.
In summary, displacement represents the change in position, speed measures the rate of distance covered, velocity combines speed with direction, and acceleration represents the rate of change of velocity.