# A student states: 'Speed and velocity are the same thing.' Explain why this statement is incorrect, and describe the difference between a scalar quantity and a vector quantity, giving one example of each.

> WJEC A-Level Physics (Wales) — 1.1 Basic physics quantities and motion · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Speed is a scalar quantity / velocity is a vector quantity
2. Velocity includes a direction whereas speed does not
3. A scalar quantity has magnitude only (no direction)
4. A vector quantity has both magnitude and direction
5. Correct example of a scalar quantity AND a correct example of a vector quantity (one mark for a correct pair)

## Key terms

- [scalar quantity](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/scalar-quantity)
- [vector quantity](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/vector-quantity)
- [speed](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/speed)
- [velocity](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/velocity)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC A-Level Physics (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-student-states-speed-and-velocity-18d6ad63) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.