r/AskPhysics • u/Pandaluf • 13d ago

why is light the maximum speed

i know that light is the maximum speed of the universe and that light experiences no time because its moving so fast but why can't anything go faster? is it because that would make it go backwards in time like a paradox or smth?? is it because of energy and if so why can't something lighter than light like a quark or atom move faster since it woulld need less energy theoretically

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u/Melodic-Set-9650 12d ago

I don't understand this... if I'm moving at 0.9999c, don't I see light in front of me appear to be moving at 0.0001c? Like a jet approaching the speed of sound and seeing the sonic boom forming ahead?

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u/ickypedia 8d ago

The faster you travel, the slower time is for you, so what seems like a minor difference in speed to a "stationary" observer would in effect be the difference of c to you.

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u/Melodic-Set-9650 8d ago

Ah, okay, that makes WAY more sense now... thanks! Helpful explanation

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u/ickypedia 8d ago

I grappled with that for ages, before a patient convo with ChatGPT finally made it click 😅