10% of the speed of light (0.1c)
10% of c (0.1c)Speed · definition
The quantity is exact as entered. Comparisons use the clearly stated specimen, model or nominal measurement.
Speed
Toward light speed
DISTANCE IN ONE SECOND
The quantity is exact as entered.
29,980 km in 1 s
Light in vacuum is electromagnetic radiation that travels through empty space without any material medium.
299,800 km in 1 s
A little perspective
The speed of light in vacuum is about 10 times 10% of the speed of light (0.1c).
Speed: 10% of c (0.1c); definition.
The quantity is exact as entered. Comparisons use the clearly stated specimen, model or nominal measurement.
Speed: 100% of c (1c); exact.
Exactly 299,792,458 metres per second in vacuum. Light travels more slowly through materials.
NIST — 2022 CODATA fundamental constants
The marked speed is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Measurement details
Compare 10% of the speed of light (0.1c) with the speed of light in vacuum. The notes below explain how each value was chosen.
Speed · definition
The quantity is exact as entered. Comparisons use the clearly stated specimen, model or nominal measurement.
Speed · exact
Exactly 299,792,458 metres per second in vacuum. Light travels more slowly through materials.
The diagram uses the recorded measurements. Details outside the marked spans do not set the scale.
Speed is distance per unit time; it does not specify the total distance travelled.
Change your perspective
Choose a suggestion to redraw the comparison, or open its page to learn what it is.
A little smaller. A little larger.