The mass of light is zero. According to the theory of special relativity, particles with zero rest mass, such as photons (particles of light), travel at the speed of light in a vacuum.
In terms of velocity, light travels at a speed of approximately 299,792,458 meters per second in a vacuum. This speed is denoted as the "speed of light" and is a fundamental constant in physics. It is considered the fastest speed possible and is often represented by the symbol 'c'.
Comparing the speed of light to other phenomena, we can observe significant differences:
Sound: The speed of sound varies depending on the medium through which it travels. In dry air at sea level and room temperature, sound typically travels at around 343 meters per second. This means that light travels about 874,030 times faster than sound in air.
Speed of Earth: The speed at which the Earth orbits the Sun is approximately 30 kilometers per second (18.6 miles per second). The speed of light is about 10,000 times faster than the orbital speed of the Earth.
Speed of Commercial Jets: Commercial jet airliners typically fly at speeds of around 900 kilometers per hour (560 miles per hour). The speed of light is about 1,079,000 times faster than the speed of a commercial jet.
Speed of Spacecraft: The speed of spacecraft can vary depending on their purpose and destination. For example, the average speed of the International Space Station (ISS) in orbit is about 28,000 kilometers per hour (17,500 miles per hour). The speed of light is about 1,080,000 times faster than the speed of the ISS.
These comparisons highlight the enormous difference in magnitude between the speed of light and other everyday velocities. The speed of light is so fast that it has profound implications for our understanding of space, time, and the fundamental laws of physics.