What does the term 'velocity' define?

Velocity is a vector quantity that defines both the speed of an object and the direction in which it is moving. This means that when we refer to an object's velocity, we are not only talking about how fast it is traveling, but also the specific direction in which it is heading. For instance, saying an object is moving at 60 miles per hour to the north gives a complete description of its velocity.

In contrast, the other options do not capture the full definition of velocity. One option focuses solely on the amount of distance covered over time, which describes speed but ignores direction. Another option mentions the change in speed of an object over time, which relates to acceleration rather than velocity. Lastly, force is a different physical concept altogether, concerned with the interaction that causes an object to move, rather than how fast or in what direction it is moving. Understanding that velocity encompasses both speed and direction is key to grasping its significance in physical concepts.