1. Light – The Universal Speed Limit (Used in Human Technology)
While humans didn’t create light, we’ve harnessed it — in fiber optics, lasers, and quantum computing. Light travels at 299,792 km/s (186,282 miles per second) and is the fastest phenomenon we can manipulate in technology.
From laser-guided missiles to optical communications, we use the speed of light for everything from GPS to cancer treatments. In quantum computing, light particles (photons) are used to process data at unimaginable speeds.
Lasers also play a role in space communication, cutting transmission times between spacecraft and Earth. The speed of light underpins our understanding of physics and defines the cosmic speed limit that even our fastest creations have yet to break.
Though nothing with mass can move at the speed of light, the ways we’ve used and manipulated it are a testament to human innovation at its fastest.
