The symbol c in physics typically represents the speed of light in a vacuum. This constant is a fundamental aspect of the physical universe and is crucial in the field of physics, especially in the theories of relativity proposed by Albert Einstein.
The exact value of c is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second, or about 300,000 kilometers per second. This speed is not just the fastest speed at which light travels; it is also the maximum speed at which all energy, matter, and information in the universe can travel.
The significance of c is highlighted in several key physics equations, including Einstein’s famous equation, E=mc², where it underlines the relationship between energy (E), mass (m), and the speed of light squared (c²). This relationship illustrates how mass can be converted into energy and vice versa, fundamentally altering our understanding of how the universe operates.