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In physics, "speed" is how fast you go and "velocity" is how fast you go in a specific direction. On the road, it doesn't matter what direction you are going, only how fast. In common language outside of physics, we usually use "speed" and "velocity" to mean the same thing. But the word "speed" is shorter, so that is usually prefered for use on signs and in writting the laws about how fast you can drive. ************************** speed is really the same as velocity (u asked this at just the right time, i just studdied this in my science! lol). So why they chose to write on the speeding signs "speed" instead of "velocity", i have no idea....But if I think about it, the word "velocity" is more of a scientific name. "speed" is more simple, and to the point...everyone knows what were talking about! AND, if they DID us the word "velocity" over "speed", then you would probably be asking the same question, but reversed- "why are there velocity limits instead of speed limits?" so....do you get where im comming from? but, good question, anyway!!
Velocity would not be an accurate measurement unless the highway or street was completely straight because velocity also indicates direction.
1) Because more people understand the word "speed". Remember, highway signs have to be read and understood by people with a limited education, or whose first language is not English.
2) Because "speed" is a scalar quantity - it only has one component, how fast an object is moving. "velocity" is a vector quantity and measures speed and direction. Velocity-based signs would have to say something like "Velocity limit 50 MPH Going East"
is the same. but the signals use speed because its a more short word. :)
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