Fast facts for kids

Fast is a word with several meanings, but most often, it describes something that moves at a very high speed. When we say something is fast, we usually mean it can cover a lot of distance in a short amount of time. This idea of speed applies to many things, from animals and vehicles to how quickly computers work or how fast a process happens.

What Does "Fast" Mean?

When we talk about something being "fast," we are usually describing its speed. Speed is how quickly an object moves from one place to another. It's measured by how much distance is covered in a certain amount of time, like miles per hour (mph) or kilometers per hour (km/h). For example, a cheetah is fast because it can run many kilometers in just a few minutes.

Fast Animals

The animal kingdom is full of incredible creatures known for their speed. These animals have special bodies that help them move quickly, whether they are running, flying, or swimming.

Birds That Fly Fast

Some birds are incredibly fast flyers. The Peregrine Falcon is known as the fastest animal on Earth. When it dives to catch its prey, it can reach speeds over 320 kilometers per hour (200 mph)! Other fast birds include the Swift, which can fly very quickly for long periods.

Animals That Run Fast

On land, the Cheetah is famous for being the fastest runner. It can sprint up to 112 kilometers per hour (70 mph) over short distances. This amazing speed helps it catch other fast animals like gazelles. Other quick land animals include the Pronghorn, which can run for a long time at high speeds, and the Greyhound, a dog breed known for its racing speed.

Creatures That Swim Fast

In the ocean, some fish are built for incredible speed. The Sailfish is considered the fastest fish, able to swim at speeds up to 110 kilometers per hour (68 mph). Its long, pointed bill and large dorsal fin help it cut through the water. Other fast swimmers include the Marlin and some types of Tuna.

Fast Vehicles

Humans have always tried to build machines that can move faster and faster. From cars to airplanes, engineers design vehicles to achieve incredible speeds for travel, transport, or racing.

Cars and Bikes

Modern cars can be very fast. Sports cars and race cars are designed for high speeds, often reaching over 320 kilometers per hour (200 mph). The fastest production cars can go even faster. Motorcycles also offer thrilling speed, with some racing bikes capable of over 300 kilometers per hour (186 mph).

Trains and Boats

High-speed trains, like Japan's Shinkansen (bullet train) or France's TGV, can travel at speeds exceeding 320 kilometers per hour (200 mph), making long-distance travel much quicker. On water, speedboats and hydrofoils are designed to skim across the surface at high speeds, often used for racing or quick transport.

Aircraft and Spacecraft

Airplanes, especially jet aircraft, fly at very high speeds. Commercial airliners typically cruise at around 900 kilometers per hour (560 mph). Military jets can fly much faster, some even breaking the sound barrier (the speed of sound, about 1,235 km/h or 767 mph). Spacecraft are the fastest human-made objects, needing immense speed to escape Earth's gravity and travel through space.

Fast in Technology and Nature

The idea of "fast" isn't just about physical movement. It also applies to how quickly things happen in technology and nature.

Fast Technology

In the world of computers and the internet, "fast" means how quickly information can be processed or sent. A fast computer can run many programs at once without slowing down. Fast internet allows you to download movies or stream videos almost instantly. This speed is important for everything from online gaming to scientific research.

Fast Natural Events

Nature also has its own examples of "fast." Lightning strikes are incredibly fast, happening in a fraction of a second. The speed of light itself is the fastest thing we know, traveling at about 299,792,458 meters per second (about 186,282 miles per second).

Other Meanings of "Fast"

Besides speed, the word "fast" can have other meanings depending on how it's used.

Fasting

One important meaning is Fasting, which is when someone chooses to stop eating for a certain period. People might fast for religious reasons, like during Ramadan or Yom Kippur, or sometimes for health reasons under a doctor's guidance. It's a practice found in many cultures and traditions around the world.

Other Uses

"Fast" can also mean something that is firmly fixed or secure, like a "fast knot" that won't come undone. Or it can describe colors that won't fade easily, known as "fast colors."