Which of the following best describes the difference between speed and acceleration? a. speed is the distance an object travels within a specific unit of time, whereas acceleration is a measure of the force necessary to change the speed of an object. b. acceleration is the distance an object travels within a specific unit of time, whereas speed is a measure of the force necessary to change the acceleration of an object. c. speed is the distance an object travels within a specific unit of time, whereas acceleration is the rate at which the speed or direction of an object is changing. d. acceleration is the distance an object travels within a specific unit of time, whereas speed is the rate at which the acceleration or direction of an object is changing.

The correct answer to the question is : C) Speed is the distance an object travels within a specific unit of time, whereas acceleration is the rate at which the speed or direction of an object is changing.

EXPLANATION :

Before going to answer this question, first we have to understand speed and acceleration.

The speed of a body is defined as the rate of change of distance or the distance covered by the body per unit time. Speed is scalar quantity. Hence, it needs only magnitude for its complete specification.

The acceleration produced by a body is defined as the rate of change of velocity. We know that velocity is the speed in a particular direction. Hence, the acceleration is not only produced due to the change in magnitude of velocity as well as due to the change in direction. Hence, acceleration is a vector quantity which needs magnitude as well as direction for its complete specification.

Hence, the best difference between speed and acceleration is the third statement.