What term refers to the rate at which an object changes position?

The correct term that refers to the rate at which an object changes position is speed. Speed is defined as the distance traveled per unit of time, illustrating how quickly an object moves from one location to another without regard to direction. It is a scalar quantity, meaning it only has magnitude and no associated direction.

In contrast, velocity includes both speed and direction. Thus, while a car traveling at 60 kilometers per hour east has a specific velocity, it also has a speed of 60 kilometers per hour. Acceleration refers to the rate of change of velocity over time, indicating how an object's velocity changes rather than just its position. Displacement involves the change in position of an object and has both magnitude and direction, but it does not quantify how quickly the change occurs. Speed focuses solely on the rate of movement, making it the proper choice for the stated question about changing position.