Why the Speed of Light Cannot Be Exceeded?

Why the speed of light cannot be exceeded is a fundamental topic, especially for those curious about modern physics and how the universe works. The speed of light has been measured at approximately 299,792 kilometers per second in a vacuum and is considered the highest speed in the universe. The main reason this speed cannot be exceeded is explained by Einstein’s theory of special relativity. According to the theory, as an object approaches the speed, its mass increases and more energy is required. The energy needed to reach the speed of light is theoretically infinite. Therefore, no matter or energy can exceed the speed of light. Additionally, the speed of light is constant and considered a universal limit; this characteristic does not change and is determined by the structure of space and time. Although quantum mechanics presents theories suggesting that two electrons belonging to the same atom could interact instantaneously, this has not yet been definitively proven. If proven, the topic of the speed of light being unexceedable would need to be reconsidered.

Reasons why the speed of light is constant

Now let’s examine in more detail why the speed of light cannot be exceeded and why it remains constant.
1- As matter accelerates, its mass increases, making further acceleration more difficult.
2- An object approaching the speed of light would require infinite energy, which is physically impossible.
3- The relationship between space-time and the movement of light ensures that the speed of light remains constant and cannot change. This is not just a theoretical limit; it has also been experimentally confirmed. For example, in particle accelerator experiments, electrons come very close to the speed of light but never exceed it. Exceeding this limit would require a complete change in classical and modern physical laws, which is not possible within the current structure of the universe. In addition, as massive objects approach the speed of light, relativistic effects such as time dilation and length contraction occur, making it even more impossible to surpass the speed of light.

Effects of approaching the speed of light and practical implications

Let’s explain the effects faced by objects approaching the speed of light and what this means in practical or technological terms:
1- The perception of time for the objects slows down, and their clocks run slower compared to observers at rest.
2- The dimensions of objects contract along the direction of motion, and their mass increases, which increases the energy requirement.
3- The increase in energy pushes physical limits, but exceeding the speed of light remains impossible. The impossibility of exceeding the speed of light is directly related to the fundamental laws of the universe and has been confirmed both theoretically and experimentally. Therefore, the speed of light always remains constant and is regarded as an insurmountable limit in the universe. Modern technology and space research maximize speed and energy use without attempting to surpass this limit. In the experiment comparing light emitted from an object moving in the same direction and light reflected from a stationary reference point, the light from the moving object was expected to be faster, but it remained constant, confirming this principle. / 2025-12-01 15:34:07