Speed is how fast an object moves in a given direction, while velocity includes both speed and direction. Average speed is the total distance traveled divided by the total time taken, while average velocity is the displacement divided by the time interval. Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity with time and is caused by an unbalanced net force acting on an object. Forces can be contact forces or non-contact forces, and examples include tension, normal force, gravitational force, friction, and others. Balanced forces cause no change in an object's motion, while unbalanced forces cause acceleration and a change in motion.