Calculating speed is an essential skill in physics, as it allows us to quantify how fast an object is moving. Speed is defined as the distance traveled by an object divided by the time taken to cover that distance. We can calculate speed using the formula: speed = distance / time.

Let's look at an example to understand this better. Suppose a car travels a distance of 100 meters in 10 seconds. To calculate the speed, we divide the distance (100 meters) by the time (10 seconds), resulting in a speed of 10 meters per second (m/s).

It's important to note that speed is a scalar quantity, meaning it only has magnitude and no direction. Hence, it doesn't account for the object's motion's direction, only how fast it's moving.

While calculating speed, it's crucial to use consistent units for distance and time. For example, if the distance is given in kilometers, the time should be in hours to maintain consistency. Always double-check the units before performing any calculations to avoid errors.