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Speed of light (c)

Definition

The speed of light is the fastest possible speed at which energy or information can travel in a vacuum. It is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second.

Analogy

Imagine you are driving on a highway with no traffic. The speed limit on this highway is the speed of light. No matter how fast your car can go, it will never be able to exceed this limit.

Related terms

Frequency: The number of complete cycles or oscillations of a wave that occur in one second.

Electromagnetic Spectrum: The range of all possible frequencies and wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation.

Refraction: The bending or change in direction of light as it passes from one medium to another.



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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.