Why is the speed of light what it is?

Click For Summary
The speed of light is a fundamental constant in physics, measured to be approximately 299,792,458 meters per second in a vacuum, and is essential for the framework of theories like Special Relativity. This speed remains constant for all observers in inertial reference frames, leading to concepts such as time dilation and length contraction. While some theories suggest the speed of light may have varied in the early universe, there is currently no empirical evidence to support this claim. The question of why the speed of light has its specific value remains largely unanswered, as it is a characteristic of our universe that does not have a deeper explanation. Ultimately, the speed of light is a defined measurement that reflects the arbitrary nature of our units of measurement.
  • #61
AgentSmith said:
We are now into the 21st century. Hopefully we have progressed a bit.
Ah, you optimist you.
 
  • Like
Likes weirdoguy and Bystander

Similar threads

Undergrad What travels faster: visible light in water or X-rays in liquid mercury?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Measuring the speed of light in a straight line
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
High School Is light breaking its own speed limit when cornering?
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
Circuits and the Speed of Light (2)
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Why is the speed of light smaller in a medium?
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
3K
Why does the speed of light change in different media?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
How does the speed of light change when it enters glass?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Absolute Zero v. The Speed of Light
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
16K
Light Speed: Distance & Time Explained
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
9K
Speed of Light when not in a vacuum?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
6K