It is a common misconception that photons, which are particles of light, can travel faster than the speed of light. In reality, photons always travel at the speed of light in a vacuum, which is approximately 299,792 kilometers per second. The speed of light in a vacuum is considered the maximum speed at which information or energy can travel.
What can create confusion is the fact that light can appear to be moving faster than its speed in a vacuum when it passes through certain materials, such as water or glass. This phenomenon is called "slowing down of light" and is caused by the interaction of light with the atoms and molecules in those materials. When light enters a medium, it interacts with the atoms or molecules, which can temporarily absorb and re-emit the photons. This process creates the illusion of light traveling slower than its maximum speed in a vacuum.
However, it's important to note that even when light appears to be moving slower in a medium, the speed at which information or energy is transmitted through the system is still limited to the speed of light in a vacuum. This phenomenon is governed by the principles of electromagnetic wave propagation and is well understood within the framework of physics.
In summary, photons, as particles of light, always travel at the speed of light in a vacuum. While light can appear to move slower in certain materials, the underlying speed at which information or energy is transmitted remains limited by the maximum speed of light in a vacuum. Thus, faster-than-light travel is still considered impossible based on our current understanding of the laws of physics.