The Dynamics of Speed
Speed is the rate at which an object covers distance. It is a scalar quantity, meaning it only has magnitude and not direction (which would be velocity). Speed is fundamental to physics, transportation, and communication.
Introduction & History
The study of motion, or kinematics, was pioneered by Galileo Galilei, who first formulated the concept of speed as distance over time. The standardization of time and distance units allowed for consistent and comparable speed measurements.
Key Units
Meters per second (m/s)
The SI unit of speed.
Kilometers per hour (km/h)
The most common unit for vehicle speed worldwide.
Miles per hour (mph)
Used for vehicle speed in the US, UK, and other countries.
Knot (kn)
A unit of speed used in maritime and aviation contexts, equal to one nautical mile per hour.
Practical Applications
Transportation and Vehicle Dynamics
Athletics and Sports Science
Telecommunications and Data Transfer
Astronomy and Celestial Mechanics
Key Formula
Calculating Speed
The foundational formula for determining the speed of an object based on the distance it travels and the time it takes.