Velocity is a measure of how fast something is moving in a specific direction. It combines both speed and direction, which makes it different from just speed alone. For example, if a car is traveling at 60 miles per hour to the north, its velocity is 60 miles per hour north. This helps us understand not just how fast the car is going, but where it is headed. In physics, velocity is often represented by the symbol v and is calculated by dividing the change in position by the time taken. This concept is important in various fields, including engineering, sports, and even space travel, where knowing the velocity of an object can determine its path and impact.