Speed vs Acceleration — Difference (with Table & FAQs)
Speed is the rate of change of distance. Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity.
TL;DR: Speed is the rate of change of distance. Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity.
Written & reviewed by the Syllab.in Academic Team (CBSE/NCERT subject experts) · Updated
The main difference between Speed and Acceleration: Speed is the rate of change of distance. Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity.
Speed vs Acceleration — Comparison Table
| Basis | Speed | Acceleration |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Distance covered per unit time | Change in velocity per unit time |
| Type | Scalar quantity | Vector quantity |
| SI Unit | m/s | m/s² |
| Formula | Speed = Distance / Time | a = (v - u) / t |
| Can be zero | Only when object at rest | When velocity is constant |
| Example | Car traveling at 60 km/h | Car speeding up from rest |
Key Points
- Speed tells how fast, acceleration tells how quickly velocity changes
- Constant speed does not mean zero acceleration if direction changes
- Negative acceleration is deceleration
- Both affect motion but in different ways
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between speed and acceleration?
Speed is the rate at which an object covers distance (distance ÷ time). Acceleration is the rate at which an object’s velocity changes (change in velocity ÷ time).
What are the units of speed and acceleration?
Speed is measured in metres per second (m/s). Acceleration is measured in metres per second squared (m/s²).
Does constant speed mean zero acceleration?
If an object moves in a straight line at constant speed, its acceleration is zero because its velocity is not changing.