Forces and Motion

Speed, Velocity and Acceleration

• **Speed**: The distance travelled per unit of time. Measured in m/s.
• **Velocity**: The speed in a given direction. Includes both speed and direction. Measured in m/s.
• **Acceleration**: The rate of change of velocity. Measured in m/s².
• Acceleration can be positive (increasing velocity) or negative (decreasing velocity, also called deceleration).
• Exam Tip: Be able to calculate speed, velocity and acceleration from given information and draw/interpret distance-time and velocity-time graphs.