Can speed be greater than velocity?

The magnitude of average velocity can never exceed average speed. For a round trip, speed is positive but average velocity can be zero because displacement is zero.

Is velocity a scalar or vector?

Velocity is a vector quantity because it has both magnitude and direction. Speed is a scalar with magnitude only.

⚛️ Physics · NEET & JEE

Difference Between Speed and Velocity

Speed and velocity both describe how fast something moves, but velocity also tells you the direction of motion.

In short

Speed is a scalar quantity that measures how fast an object moves (magnitude only); velocity is a vector quantity that measures how fast and in which direction it moves.

Speed vs Velocity — Comparison Table

Basis	Speed	Velocity
Quantity type	Scalar	Vector
Direction	Not considered	Considered
Definition	Distance / time	Displacement / time
Can be zero?	Zero only if at rest	Can be zero even while moving (round trip)
SI unit	m/s	m/s

Want to understand this fully? Read the Physics notes on this chapter.

Frequently Asked Questions — Speed vs Velocity

Can speed be greater than velocity?: The magnitude of average velocity can never exceed average speed. For a round trip, speed is positive but average velocity can be zero because displacement is zero.
Is velocity a scalar or vector?: Velocity is a vector quantity because it has both magnitude and direction. Speed is a scalar with magnitude only.

Difference Between Speed and Velocity

Speed vs Velocity — Comparison Table

Frequently Asked Questions — Speed vs Velocity

More Physics Comparisons