Michelson-Morley experiment doubts

In summary, the conversation discusses the movement of light in relation to an apparatus in special relativity. The question is raised about why light appears to move along the hypotenuse of a triangle when the apparatus is in motion. The response explains that this is due to the relative motion of the apparatus and the observer, and clarifies that the light does have a horizontal component in the stationary frame. Eventually, the questioner comes to an understanding that this is because of the angle at which the apparatus is seen while in motion.
  • #1
Highwaydude
9
0
Hello, I am newly learning special relativity. I have this particular doubt>

Why is light moving along the hypoteneuse of the triangle while we are moving the apparatus?
(Its not like it has a horizontal component of velocity which is equal to the velocity of the apparatus).
 
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  • #2
Why do you think you know how light is moving?

If you know, you need to let the rest of us know, because you have information that nobody else has.
 
  • #3
Highwaydude, A light beam aimed vertically in the moving frame will be seen to have a horizontal component in the stationary frame. If if did not, it would fail to hit the mirror.
 
  • #4
Sorry for replying late.. yes after a bit of thinking I've figured it out, like you said, since the apparatus is moving we are seeing it as if it moves along an angle. :)
 

FAQ: Michelson-Morley experiment doubts

What is the Michelson-Morley experiment?

The Michelson-Morley experiment was a scientific experiment conducted in 1887 by Albert A. Michelson and Edward W. Morley to detect the existence of a hypothetical "ether" that was thought to be the medium for electromagnetic waves to travel through. The experiment involved measuring the speed of light in different directions to see if there was any variation caused by the Earth's movement through the ether.

What were the results of the Michelson-Morley experiment?

The results of the experiment were unexpected and controversial. The experiment showed that the speed of light was constant in all directions, regardless of the Earth's movement through the hypothetical ether. This contradicted the prevailing theory of the time and sparked further research into the nature of light and the concept of relativity.

What doubts were raised about the Michelson-Morley experiment?

One of the main doubts raised about the Michelson-Morley experiment was that the equipment used may not have been sensitive enough to detect the minuscule changes in the speed of light caused by the Earth's movement through the ether. Another doubt was that the experiment may have been influenced by the Earth's magnetic field.

How did the Michelson-Morley experiment contribute to the development of modern physics?

The Michelson-Morley experiment played a crucial role in the development of modern physics. Its unexpected results led to the formulation of the special theory of relativity by Albert Einstein, which revolutionized our understanding of space and time. It also paved the way for further experiments and theories, such as the theory of general relativity and quantum mechanics.

Has the Michelson-Morley experiment been replicated or improved upon?

Yes, the Michelson-Morley experiment has been replicated and improved upon numerous times since its original conception. The most notable replication was done by Dayton Miller in the 1920s, which showed a slight variation in the speed of light that was attributed to the Earth's movement through the ether. However, this result was not widely accepted and the original results of the Michelson-Morley experiment remain the most widely recognized.

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