In the vastness of the universe, carbon exists in its unique form and becomes the link between the stars and life. Carbon, the miracle of the universe, not only forms the basis of life, but also plays an important role in the history of the development of the universe. Its birth is closely related to the speed of light, which is the fundamental constant of the universe.

Since the Big Bang, light and matter have been intertwined. In a high-temperature, high-energy environment, elementary particles such as quarks, protons, and neutrons form light elements such as hydrogen and helium through nuclear synthesis. The formation of carbon, however, requires more complex fusion reactions and just the right amount of physical constants – especially the speed of light. If the speed of light changes slightly, then the formation of carbon atoms will be affected, which in turn will change the distribution of carbon elements in the universe.

The formation of carbon is inseparable from the nuclear fusion reaction inside the star. Inside these massive celestial bodies, hydrogen atoms collide and fuse with each other at extremely high temperatures and pressures, gradually building more complex nuclei.

This process requires overcoming the strong electromagnetic repulsion between protons, and only when the strong nuclear force is strong enough can the protons tightly bind together to form a stable carbon nucleus.

The speed of light plays a key role in this process. As the upper limit of the speed of electromagnetic interactions, the speed of light determines the strength of the electromagnetic force. If the speed of light changes, the intensity of the electromagnetic interaction will also change, affecting the process of nuclear fusion.

Specifically, changes in the speed of light affect the fine structure constant, which is critical to characterizing electromagnetic interactions, α. Only when the α is within a certain range can the carbon element be stably formed in the nuclear fusion furnace of the star. If the value of the α changes, not only the formation of carbon will be affected, but the periodic table of chemical elements of the entire universe may also be rewritten.

Carbon is precious because it is not only one of the few stable elements in the universe, but also the key to the existence of life. The unique structure of carbon atoms allows them to form diverse chemical bonds, thus constructing complex organic compounds, which provide a material basis for the origin and evolution of life. Without carbon, there would be no proteins, nucleic acids and other biological macromolecules, and there would be no abundant and colorful life on earth.

In the universe, the formation of carbon is the result of a series of delicate coincidences. Nuclear fusion reactions inside stars must be carried out in a precise balance of electromagnetic forces and force. If there is a slight change in the speed of light, this balance is disrupted and carbon formation is inhibited. Therefore, the stability of the speed of light is not only a prerequisite for the existence of carbon, but also the cornerstone of life in the universe.

Oxygen, like carbon, is an indispensable component of life. Oxygen accounts for 21% of the Earth's atmosphere and is the basis for processes such as respiration and combustion that sustain life. Just as the formation of carbon is closely related to the speed of light, the production of oxygen is also affected by the speed of light.

During the nuclear fusion of stars, the formation of oxygen requires a complex series of physical reactions that are extremely sensitive to the strength of electromagnetic interactions. Changes in the speed of light, by influencing the electromagnetic force, alter the reaction path and rate of nuclear fusion, thus affecting the production of oxygen. If the speed of light slows down or goes a little faster, the formation of oxygen will decrease, which will have a profound impact on the evolution of life in the universe. Without enough oxygen, life on Earth may not receive enough energy support to sustain a high level of life activity.

The speed of light, the fundamental constant in the universe, has become the cornerstone of the evolution of the universe due to its constant and unchanging properties. By influencing the strength of electromagnetic interactions, the speed of light determines the formation of elements during nuclear fusion, especially elements such as carbon and oxygen, which are essential for life. Their abundance is directly related to the existence or absence of life. If the speed of light changes, it will not only affect the nuclear reactions inside the star, but also change the composition of the periodic table, which may deprive the universe of the opportunity to give birth to life.

It is precisely because of the stability of the speed of light that carbon-based life is possible in the universe. The presence of carbon and oxygen provides a suitable environment for a planet like the Earth to allow life to nurture and reproduce. Therefore, the speed of light is not just a physical constant, it is the source of life and the starting point of all stories in the universe.