Why is the speed of light in a vacuum considered the ultimate limit?

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The speed of light in a vacuum, denoted as "c," is considered the ultimate limit due to its fundamental role in the structure of space-time as described by Einstein's theory of general relativity. Light travels fastest in a vacuum because it is not impeded by matter, which can slow it down. This phenomenon raises questions about the properties of photons and the nature of space itself. The discussion highlights that many physical effects propagate at the speed of light, emphasizing its significance in the laws of physics. Ultimately, the speed of light serves as a crucial constant that defines the relationship between time and space in the universe.
13habelbrea
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Dont want to read all of this, then just read the last paragraph. If you still mixed up then read all of it.



Why does einsteins theory of general relativity deal with c, the speed of light in a vacuum, the speed of light can take on many different forms when traveling through mass. But what's so spechial about the speed of light in a vacuum. Would not this mean that the empty space (called a vacuum) as something to deal about the proportys of the photon? All I know is that when you put light with open space it's the fastest thing in the world.

Heres what I think about a photon. Normaly when you have a matter, you have more energy and potential for speed. But when you put light into the mix it will reflect of matter to get us colors just like it does not want to be put in with energy/matter. When light is put with matter it slows down when matter contains all the energy. So the electrons and neutrons and protons seem to reject light with there energy. Or sufficate is so that is will slow down.

So here's my question to you science huggers, because our constant c, the speed of light is written all over I am mathematics (which we use to relate and calculate life) would the speed of light in a vacuum have to deal with the proporty of the photon? Or maby the proporty of space? I have been thinking about for some while but.

(Thanks)
 
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It's a property of space-time.

Many physical effects are propagated at c, not just light.

Also, general relativity deals with c as well.

Think of it like this: c is a number that tells you how nature balances time against space. When someone asks you how far you are from someplace they often answer with a time instead of a distance. It's like saying that New York is 2 hours from Los Angeles in an SR-71. Except nature is a lot faster.
 
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Is it a proprty of matter to be slow or a proporty of light to be fast. I know its nature all of this is in the natrue of science, but why, where does it come and why is it there? Whay kind of science takes place that says light shold be the fastest? When we come to the photon I have even heard that it has to mass. Think about it, has no mass and then light can get intefeared with a black hole?
 
13habelbrea said:
Is it a proprty of matter to be slow or a proporty of light to be fast. I know its nature all of this is in the natrue of science, but why, where does it come and why is it there? Whay kind of science takes place that says light shold be the fastest? When we come to the photon I have even heard that it has to mass. Think about it, has no mass and then light can get intefeared with a black hole?

Please start by reading the FAQ thread in the General Physics forum.

Zz.
 
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