Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A velocity vector represents both the speed and direction of an object's motion. It is a mathematical representation that combines magnitude (speed) and direction into a single quantity.
Related terms
Displacement Vector: Similar to velocity vectors, displacement vectors represent the change in position of an object. They also include magnitude (distance) and direction.
An acceleration vector shows how an object's velocity changes over time. It includes both magnitude (rate of change of speed) and direction.
Scalar Quantity: Unlike vectors, scalar quantities only have magnitude but no specific direction. Examples include distance, speed, temperature, or mass.