Speed, Distance, Time

Three Core Formulas

v = d/t (speed = distance ÷ time). d = v × t (distance = speed × time). t = d/v (time = distance ÷ speed). SI units: speed in m/s, distance in metres, time in seconds. Any consistent unit set works.

Speed vs Velocity

Speed is a scalar (magnitude only). Velocity is a vector (magnitude and direction). A car going around a circular track at a constant 60 km/h has constant speed but constantly changing velocity. This distinction matters in physics but not for most practical calculations.

Reference Speeds

Average walking: 1.4 m/s (5 km/h). Cycling: 4–8 m/s. Sprint world record: 12.4 m/s. Sound in air: 343 m/s. Passenger aircraft: ~250 m/s. Speed of light: 299,792,458 m/s.

Speed Calculator

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