Question

determine if each phrase describes speed or velocity. sort each tile into the appropriate column.
displacement per time
20 m/s south
a vector quantity
a scalar quantity
400 km/h
distance per time
speed
velocity

Explanation:

• Speed: Speed is a scalar quantity (magnitude only) and is calculated as distance per time. So, "distance per time" and "400 km/h" (magnitude of rate of change of position without direction) belong to speed. Also, a scalar quantity is a property of speed as it has only magnitude.
• Velocity: Velocity is a vector quantity (magnitude + direction). "Displacement per time" (displacement has direction) and "20 m/s south" (magnitude + direction) are related to velocity. Also, a vector quantity is a property of velocity as it has both magnitude and direction.

Answer:

• Speed: distance per time, 400 km/h, a scalar quantity
• Velocity: displacement per time, 20 m/s south, a vector quantity