Things That Are Fast

Welcome to our list of things that are fast! ⚡🚀🏎️🏃

In transportation, speed transforms our sense of distance, shrinking the world through high-velocity vehicles like jets, which can traverse continents in hours, or sports cars that zip from zero to breathtaking speeds in mere seconds. In technology, the speed of data processing and internet connectivity has revolutionized communication, making global interactions instantaneous. In nature, speed is a survival tool; the swift flight of a falcon or the rapid sprint of a gazelle exemplifies nature’s engineering for survival and efficiency. Across these domains, speed not only denotes a measure of velocity but also symbolizes progress, efficiency, and the relentless march of human innovation and adaptation.

Here’s a visual list of things that are fast, with a categorised descriptive list below:

Animals

Here’s a thorough list of fast animals, each with a brief description of their speed capabilities:

Peregrine Falcon: The fastest animal on the planet, capable of reaching speeds over 240 mph (386 km/h) during its hunting stoop (high-speed dive).
Cheetah: Recognized as the fastest land animal, cheetahs can run up to 70 mph (113 km/h) in short bursts covering distances up to 500 meters.
Black Marlin: One of the fastest fish in the ocean, capable of swimming at speeds up to 82 mph (132 km/h).
Pronghorn Antelope: North America’s fastest land animal, it can run at speeds up to 60 mph (97 km/h) and maintain 35 mph (56 km/h) for longer distances.
Sailfish: Known for their incredible speed, they can swim at a pace of 68 mph (110 km/h).
Mexican Free-tailed Bat: These bats can reach speeds of 99 mph (160 km/h), making them one of the fastest mammals in flight.
Springbok: This African antelope can run up to 55 mph (88 km/h) and is known for its remarkable agility.
Ostrich: The world’s fastest bird on land, an ostrich can sprint up to about 45 mph (72 km/h).
Greyhound: The fastest breed of dog, greyhounds can run up to 45 mph (72 km/h).
Quarter Horse: This horse breed is famous for its sprinting capabilities, reaching speeds up to 55 mph (88 km/h).
Golden Eagle: Known for its diving speed, it can reach speeds up to 150-200 mph (241-322 km/h).
Mako Shark: One of the fastest shark species, capable of swimming at 60 mph (97 km/h).
Anna’s Hummingbird: During its courtship dive, it can move at speeds that exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
Lion: Capable of running at speeds up to 50 mph (80 km/h) in short bursts.
Thomson’s Gazelle: These gazelles can reach speeds of 50-60 mph (80-97 km/h).
African Wild Dog: They can run long distances at speeds up to 44 mph (71 km/h).
Swordfish: Known for their speed and agility in the water, they can swim at 60 mph (97 km/h).
Kangaroo: They can reach speeds of up to 44 mph (71 km/h) by hopping.
Horsefly: One of the fastest insects, capable of flying at a speed of 90 mph (145 km/h).
White-throated Needletail: A swift bird that can fly at speeds of 105 mph (169 km/h).
Leopard: This big cat can run at speeds of up to 58 mph (93 km/h).
Hyena: Known for their endurance and speed, they can run up to 40 mph (64 km/h).
Rabbit (Hare): Some species like the European hare can reach speeds of 45 mph (72 km/h).
Blue Wildebeest: Can run at speeds of up to 50 mph (80 km/h).
Elk: Known for their stamina and speed, they can run up to 45 mph (72 km/h).

Transportation

Each of these modes of transportation represents the pinnacle of engineering and design in their respective fields, pushing the boundaries of speed and efficiency.

High-Speed Rail (e.g., Shinkansen, TGV): Trains like Japan’s Shinkansen and France’s TGV can exceed speeds of 200 mph (320 km/h), making them among the fastest and most efficient ground transportation methods.
Maglev Trains: Utilizing magnetic levitation, these trains, like the Shanghai Maglev, can reach speeds of up to 267 mph (430 km/h), offering incredibly fast travel times.
Supersonic Aircraft (e.g., Concorde): Though no longer in service, the Concorde could travel at speeds surpassing Mach 2 (over 1,350 mph or 2,180 km/h), crossing the Atlantic in just a few hours.
Formula 1 Cars: Designed for speed and agility, these racing cars can exceed speeds of 200 mph (320 km/h) on tracks.
Hyperloop: A proposed high-speed transportation system, where pods could travel through low-pressure tubes at speeds of up to 700 mph (1,125 km/h).
Sports Motorcycles (e.g., Ducati, Kawasaki Ninja): These bikes are built for speed, with some models capable of exceeding 200 mph (320 km/h).
Fighter Jets (e.g., F-22 Raptor, MiG-35): Military aircraft that can reach supersonic speeds, well over Mach 2, for rapid response and combat.
Rocket-Powered Vehicles (e.g., Bloodhound SSC): Designed to break land speed records, these vehicles can reach speeds of over 1,000 mph (1,600 km/h).
Luxury Sports Cars (e.g., Bugatti Veyron, Tesla Roadster): Known for their speed and sleek design, these cars can exceed 250 mph (400 km/h).
Speed Boats (e.g., Spirit of Australia): Fast watercraft designed for racing and leisure, capable of reaching speeds over 200 mph (320 km/h).
Private Jets (e.g., Cessna Citation X+, Gulfstream G650): Offering fast and luxurious air travel, some of these jets can travel at speeds over 700 mph (1,125 km/h).
Spacecraft (e.g., Space Shuttle): While entering or exiting the Earth’s atmosphere, spacecraft can reach speeds of over 17,500 mph (28,000 km/h).
Bullet Trains (e.g., CRH380A in China): These trains can reach speeds of up to 250 mph (400 km/h), connecting major cities efficiently.
Electric Hypercars (e.g., Rimac C_Two): These next-generation vehicles combine electric power with high speed, aiming for top speeds exceeding 250 mph (400 km/h).
Hovercraft: Capable of high speeds over water or flat land, these vehicles are used for various purposes, including military and emergency services.
Supersonic Business Jets (e.g., Aerion AS2): In development, these jets aim to provide business travel at speeds over Mach 1.5.
High-Speed Ferries (e.g., HSC Francisco): Fast maritime transport that can reach speeds of up to 58 mph (93 km/h), significantly reducing travel time over water.
Drag Racing Cars: Specially designed for acceleration, these cars can go from 0 to over 300 mph (480 km/h) in just a few seconds.
Electric High-Speed Trains (e.g., Eurostar e320): These trains offer high-speed electric travel across international borders in Europe at speeds up to 200 mph (320 km/h).
Solar-Powered Vehicles: While still in development, these vehicles aim to combine sustainability with speed, potentially reaching high speeds using solar energy.
Racing Drones: Capable of high-speed flight and maneuverability, used in competitive drone racing.
Hydrofoil Boats: These boats lift above the water’s surface on foils, reducing drag and allowing for higher speeds.
Supercavitating Torpedoes (e.g., VA-111 Shkval): Underwater missiles designed to travel at high speeds of over 200 mph (320 km/h) using supercavitation.
Monorails: Found in places like Japan and China, some monorails offer a fast, efficient urban transit option, moving at speeds comparable to traditional rail systems.
Bobsleds: Used in competitive sports, these sleds can reach speeds of up to 90 mph (145 km/h) down ice tracks.

Technology

These technologies represent the forefront of innovation, each contributing to faster and more efficient processes, communications, and computations in their respective fields.

Quantum Computers: These computers use quantum bits and can potentially perform complex calculations millions of times faster than current supercomputers.
5G Networks: The fifth generation of cellular network technology, 5G, offers significantly faster data download and upload speeds compared to its predecessors.
Solid-State Drives (SSD): Compared to traditional hard drives, SSDs have much faster data access and transfer speeds, significantly improving computing performance.
High-Frequency Trading Algorithms: Used in financial markets, these algorithms can execute trades in fractions of a second, capitalizing on rapid market changes.
Supercomputers: Designed for complex computations, they can process billions of calculations per second, aiding in research across various scientific fields.
Fiber Optic Internet: This technology provides incredibly fast internet speeds by transmitting data as pulses of light through optical fibers.
Graphene-Based Electronics: Graphene, a form of carbon, shows promise in developing faster and more efficient electronic devices, including transistors and sensors.
Hypersonic Missiles: Capable of traveling at speeds greater than Mach 5, these missiles are designed for rapid response and are difficult to intercept.
Rapid Prototyping (3D Printing): This technology allows for the quick creation of prototypes and parts, significantly speeding up the design and production process.
Near-Field Communication (NFC): Enables fast, contactless data transfer over short distances, used in applications like mobile payments and data sharing.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Processing Units: Specialized hardware designed to efficiently process AI algorithms, greatly accelerating tasks like image and speech recognition.
Light Peak Technology (Optical Cable Tech): Developed by Intel, this technology can transfer data at speeds of 10 Gbps and has the potential to scale to 100 Gbps.
Flash Storage: Used in devices like smartphones and tablets, flash storage offers quick access to data and robust performance.
Virtual Reality (VR) Headsets with High Refresh Rates: Ensures a smooth, immersive experience by rapidly updating the display to match the user’s movements.
Augmented Reality (AR) Applications: AR tech, especially in mobile devices, can process and overlay digital information onto the real world almost instantaneously.
Autonomous Drones: Equipped with advanced navigation systems, these drones can swiftly maneuver through various environments for surveillance, delivery, or rescue operations.
Wireless Charging Technology: Developments in this field, like inductive charging, allow for faster wireless charging of devices like smartphones and electric vehicles.
Satellite Internet (e.g., Starlink): Provides high-speed internet access by using satellites in Earth’s orbit, significantly faster than traditional satellite internet.
Advanced Robotics: Modern robots equipped with sophisticated sensors and motors can perform complex tasks rapidly and with high precision.
Nanotechnology in Medicine: Allows for rapid diagnostics and targeted drug delivery, potentially speeding up treatment processes and responses.
Edge Computing: By processing data closer to where it’s being generated, edge computing reduces latency and speeds up response times in networks.
Laser Communication in Space: Offers the potential for much faster data transmission between spacecraft and Earth compared to traditional radio frequencies.
High-Speed Cameras: Used in scientific research and entertainment, these cameras can capture thousands of frames per second to slow down fast-moving phenomena.

Sports

These sports are characterized by their high-speed action, requiring quick reflexes, precision, and often a high level of physical conditioning to compete effectively.

Formula 1 Racing: A premier form of auto racing where cars reach speeds over 200 mph (320 km/h).
Motorcycle Racing (MotoGP): High-speed motorcycle racing with bikes reaching speeds up to 200 mph (320 km/h).
Downhill Skiing: Skiers descend slopes at high speeds, sometimes exceeding 80 mph (130 km/h).
Speed Skating: Involves racing on ice at speeds around 30-35 mph (48-56 km/h) in long track and somewhat slower in short track.
Luge: A high-speed winter sliding sport where athletes navigate a track of ice at speeds of 90 mph (145 km/h) or more.
Drag Racing: Cars or motorcycles race on a straight track, reaching over 300 mph (480 km/h) in seconds.
Bobsleigh: Teams make timed runs down narrow, twisting, banked, iced tracks in a gravity-powered sled, reaching speeds of 90 mph (145 km/h).
IndyCar Racing: Similar to Formula 1, but primarily held in the United States, cars can reach speeds up to 230 mph (370 km/h).
Sprint Cycling: Track cycling races where cyclists achieve high speeds, especially in the final sprint.
Rally Racing: Off-road racing with modified or specially built cars, known for high speeds even on rugged terrain.
Ice Hockey: Known for its fast-paced play, players can reach speeds of 20-30 mph (32-48 km/h).
NASCAR Racing: Stock car racing where vehicles can reach speeds of over 200 mph (320 km/h).
Cycling (Road Racing): Professional cyclists can reach speeds of 25-28 mph (40-45 km/h) in flat sections of road races.
Jai Alai: Players hurl a ball at high speeds against a wall using a long, curved wicker scoop.
Skeleton: Athletes slide head-first on a small sled down an ice track at speeds up to 80 mph (130 km/h).
Speed Climbing: A climbing discipline where athletes race to scale a wall in the shortest time possible.
Track and Field (Sprinting Events): In events like the 100m dash, athletes can reach speeds over 23 mph (37 km/h).
Water Ski Racing: Skiers are towed by a motorboat at high speeds, often exceeding 100 mph (160 km/h) in competitions.
Surfing (Big Wave): Surfers ride large waves, often moving at high speeds, especially in tow-in surfing.
Horse Racing (Thoroughbred Racing): Horses can reach speeds of up to 40 mph (64 km/h) in races.
Kite Surfing: Combines aspects of surfing, windsurfing, and paragliding, with high speeds achieved when propelled by wind.
Powerboat Racing: High-speed boat racing on water, where boats can reach speeds of over 100 mph (160 km/h).
Badminton: Known for the fast speed of the shuttlecock, which can reach speeds of over 200 mph (320 km/h) in professional smashes.
Table Tennis: Fast-paced rallies with the ball reaching high speeds, especially in professional matches.
Cricket (Fast Bowling): Fast bowlers can deliver balls at speeds of over 90 mph (145 km/h).

Notable People

Here’s a list of notable people known for their exceptional quickness or speed in various fields:

Usain Bolt: Widely considered the fastest person ever, he holds world records in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4 × 100 meters relay.
Florence Griffith Joyner: An American track and field athlete, she still holds the world records for the 100m and 200m races.
Michael Johnson: Known for his unique running style, he formerly held the world and Olympic records in the 200m and 400m.
Maurice Greene: A former world record holder in the 100m dash, known for his speed and explosive power.
Valentino Rossi: One of the most successful motorcycle racers of all time, known for his speed on the MotoGP circuit.
Lewis Hamilton: A British racing driver in Formula One, known for his incredible speed and multiple world championships.
Dale Earnhardt Sr.: An iconic figure in NASCAR, known for his driving skills and speed on the track.
Ayrton Senna: Regarded as one of the greatest Formula One drivers for his quickness and skill in driving.
Serena Williams: Her powerful and fast serves have dominated women’s tennis.
Lindsey Vonn: One of the fastest female downhill skiers in history, holding various championship titles.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Known for his speed and agility on the soccer field.
Lionel Messi: Famous for his quick dribbling skills and rapid acceleration in soccer.
Michael Phelps: The most decorated Olympian, known for his speed in swimming.
Shaun White: Known for his speed and agility in snowboarding and skateboarding.
Jesse Owens: Legendary for his speed, he achieved four gold medals in the 1936 Olympic Games.
Carl Lewis: A former track and field athlete who won numerous Olympic gold medals and was known for his speed in sprinting and long jump.
Marita Koch: Holds the long-standing world record for the 400m, known for her incredible speed.
Edwin Moses: Dominated the 400m hurdles for over a decade with his speed and technique.
Roger Federer: Known for his quick reflexes and speed on the tennis court.
Allyson Felix: An American track and field sprinter known for her speed, particularly in the 200 meters.
Fernando Alonso: A Formula One racing driver known for his quick driving skills.
Marc Marquez: A Spanish Grand Prix motorcycle road racer known for his speed in MotoGP.
Pele: Famous for his incredible speed and skill in soccer, considered one of the greatest players of all time.
Jackie Joyner-Kersee: An American athlete, ranked among the all-time greatest athletes in the heptathlon as well as long jump.
Jamaica’s National Bobsleigh Team: Gained international fame for their quick transition from sprinting to bobsledding, as depicted in the movie “Cool Runnings”.

Natural Phenomena

These natural phenomena and elements represent the incredible range and diversity of speed in the universe, from the unfathomably fast to the surprisingly swift.

Speed of Light: The ultimate speed limit of the universe, light travels at approximately 299,792,458 meters per second (or about 186,282 miles per second) in a vacuum.
Lightning: A lightning bolt’s return stroke (the visible flash that we see) can travel at speeds of about 220,000,000 mph (354,055,000 km/h), with a peak current that can exceed 200,000 amperes.
Solar Wind: Streams of charged particles ejected from the sun can travel at speeds ranging from 250 to 500 miles per second (400 to 800 kilometers per second).
Cosmic Rays: High-energy radiation, mainly originating outside the Solar System, cosmic rays can move nearly at the speed of light.
Sound in Diamond: Sound travels fastest through diamond at speeds up to 12,000 meters per second (or about 36,000 feet per second), much faster than through air.
Earth’s Rotation at the Equator: At the equator, the Earth’s surface moves at a speed of about 1,037 mph (1,670 km/h) due to the planet’s rotation.
Tectonic Plate Movement: The plates of the Earth’s crust move at a rate of about 1 to 10 cm/year, which is fast in geological terms.
Tsunami Waves: In the deep ocean, tsunami waves can travel at speeds equivalent to a commercial jet plane, around 500 mph (805 km/h).
Glacial Surges: Although glaciers are usually slow-moving, they can experience surges at speeds up to 100 feet (30 meters) per day.
Meteoroids: When entering the Earth’s atmosphere, they can travel at speeds ranging from 25,000 to 160,000 mph (40,000 to 260,000 km/h).
Volcanic Eruptions: Pyroclastic flows from volcanoes can travel at speeds up to 450 mph (700 km/h).
Geysers Erupting: Water in geysers can spout at speeds up to 70 mph (113 km/h).
Gamma-Ray Bursts: These bursts, the most energetic events in the universe, travel at nearly the speed of light.
Speed of Sound in Hydrogen: At room temperature, sound travels through hydrogen at about 1,270 m/s, much faster than through air.
Jet Streams: Fast flowing, narrow air currents found in the atmospheres of some planets, including Earth, where they can reach speeds of over 200 mph (320 km/h).
Supernova Explosions: The debris from these massive star explosions can travel up to 10% the speed of light.
Magnetic Field Reconnection Events: In these events, observed in the Earth’s magnetosphere and the sun’s atmosphere, magnetic field lines converge at high speeds and suddenly realign.
The Earth’s Orbit: Earth travels around the sun at an average speed of about 18.5 miles/sec (29.8 km/sec).
Pulsar Spin: Neutron stars can spin at incredible speeds, with the fastest known pulsar spinning about 716 times per second.
Wind Speeds during Tornadoes: The fastest wind speed inside a tornado can exceed 300 mph (480 km/h).

⚡🚀🏎️🏃

We hope this list of fast things was useful and that you found what you needed!

We did our best to cover all of the varied meanings of “fast” with our visual gallery of fast things and descriptive list. But if you feel there’s something we missed, please feel free to let us know and leave a comment.

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