Speed of Light

Speed of light, abbreviated as c, in a vacuum, travels at a speed of exactly 299,792,458 meters per second, or about 300,000 kilometers per second, a speed which remains constant irrespective of the speed of the source of the light or of the observer.  It is a fundamental constant in physics that represents the maximum speed at which information or energy can travel through a vacuum.

In the International System of Units (SI), the speed of light is approximately

• Universal Speed Limit  -  According to Albert Einstein's theory of special relativity, the speed of light is the ultimate speed limit in the universe.  Nothing with mass can travel at or exceed the speed of light in a vacuum.  As an object with mass approaches the speed of light, its relativistic mass increases, and the energy required to accelerate it further also increases, making it impossible to reach or exceed $c$.
• Consistency  -  The speed of light is the same for all observers, regardless of their motion.  This is one of the fundamental principles of special relativity.  No matter how fast an observer or source of light is moving relative to another observer, the speed of light remains constant at $c$.
• Fundamental Role  -  The speed of light plays a fundamental role in physics and has significant implications for our understanding of spacetime, causality, and the behavior of matter and energy at high velocities.
• Relation to Einstein's Theory of Relativity  -  Einstein's theory of special relativity, published in 1905, introduced the concept of the constant speed of light and revolutionized our understanding of space and time.  His equation, E=mc2, relates energy and mass and shows that mass can be converted into energy, with the speed of light as the proportionality constant.
• Measured with Great Precision  -  The speed of light has been measured with extraordinary precision in various experiments, and its value is considered one of the most accurately known constants in physics.

The speed of light plays a central role in numerous areas of science and technology, including astronomy, particle physics, telecommunications, and relativity theory.  It defines the maximum speed at which information can be transmitted through space and is a fundamental parameter in our understanding of the universe.

 

Speed of Light formula
\( c =  \lambda \; f \)     (Speed of Light) \( \lambda =  c \;/\; f \) \( f =  c \;/\; \lambda \)
Symbol	English	Metric
\( c \) = speed of light (See Physics Constant)	\(ft \;/\; sec\)	\(m \;/\; s\)
\( \lambda \)  (Greek symbol \lambda) = wavelength	\(ft\)	\(m\)
\( f \) = frequency	\(Hz\)	\(Hz\)