The speed of an object in a specific direction is called:

In physics, the term velocity refers to the speed of an object in a specific direction. Unlike speed, which is a scalar quantity and measures only how fast an object is moving, velocity is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.

For example, if a car is moving at 60 km/h to the north, its velocity is 60 km/h north. If the car changes direction but maintains the same speed, its velocity changes because velocity depends on direction as well as magnitude.

Velocity is different from acceleration, which measures how quickly the velocity of an object changes over time. Acceleration can occur when an object speeds up, slows down, or changes direction. Velocity is also distinct from terms like space or temperature, which are unrelated physical quantities. Space refers to the three-dimensional extent in which objects exist, while temperature measures heat energy.

Understanding velocity is fundamental in kinematics, the branch of physics that studies motion. It helps calculate displacement, determine how objects move, and solve problems involving projectile motion, circular motion, and relative motion. Velocity is used in everyday applications like calculating the speed and direction of vehicles, sports movements, and navigation.

In summary, the speed of an object in a specific direction is called velocity. Its vector nature makes it essential for understanding motion, predicting positions over time, and analyzing forces in physics. Velocity is a cornerstone concept in mechanics and forms the basis for many calculations in real-world science and engineering.