Speed vs Velocity
Audience: Middle SchoolCategory: Physics
Description
Two runners illustrate the difference between scalar speed and vector velocity. Runner A completes a circular lap returning to start (displacement = 0). Runner B travels in a straight line (displacement = distance). Direction makes velocity a vector.
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Speed vs Velocity
Description
Two runners illustrate the difference between scalar speed and vector velocity. Runner A completes a circular lap returning to start (displacement = 0). Runner B travels in a straight line (displacement = distance). Direction makes velocity a vector.
Phases
| # | Phase Name | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Setup | 2s | Two labeled tracks appear |
| 2 | Runner A (circular) | 4s | Runner moves around circular track, returns to start |
| 3 | Runner B (linear) | 3s | Runner moves along straight track with displacement arrow |
| 4 | Comparison | 3s | Side-by-side: displacement vs distance arrows |
| 5 | Key Point | 2s | "Velocity has direction; speed does not" |
Layout
+--------------------------------------------------+
| Speed vs Velocity |
| |
| [Runner A β circular track] |
| Speed = 10 m/s | Displacement = 0 |
| |
| [Runner B β straight track βββββ] |
| Speed = Velocity = 10 m/s east |
| |
| "Velocity has direction; speed does not" |
+--------------------------------------------------+
Area Descriptions
- Upper half: circular track for Runner A
- Lower half: straight track for Runner B
- Bottom: key concept label
Assets & Dependencies
- Fonts: LaTeX / sans-serif
- Manim version: ManimCE 0.19.1
Notes
- Middle school level
- Use distinct colors for each runner (blue / orange)
- Displacement arrow in green, distance arc in dashed white