Velocity

What is Velocity?

Velocity tells us how fast something is moving and in which direction it is going. Imagine riding a bicycle. If you go 10 kilometers per hour north, that is different from going the same speed east. Both have the same speed, but different velocities.

Velocity is important in science. It helps us understand how things move, from cars on roads to planets in space. Scientists use velocity to make predictions about motion.

Measuring Velocity

We measure velocity in metres per second (m/s). This tells us both the speed and the direction. For example, “5 metres per second east” gives us the full picture of velocity.

When something’s speed or direction changes, we say it is accelerating. Learning about velocity helps engineers design safer cars and scientists study how stars move in the sky.