Michelson-Morley Experiment: Objection Explained

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But here is a summary:In summary, another objection to the theory that the Earth drags the surrounding ether in the Michelson-Morley experiment is that a transparent object of laboratory size does not completely drag the light waves with it, as it should according to electromagnetic theory. This partial drag can be fully explained by current electromagnetic theory.
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Could you please elucidate the below statement which is given as an objection to one of the possible explanation(earth drags the ether surrounding to it) for the negative result of Michelson-morely inferometer experiment?

A second objection arises from the fact that a transparent object of laboratory size does not drag the light waves with the full velocity of the moving matter, as it necessarily would do if it completely dragged the ether along with it; and the observed partial drag is fully accounted for by current electromagnetic theory

Thank you.
 
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You will get more helpful answers if you provide the source of that quotation and tell us what you’re finding unclear
 
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The usual objection to ether dragging is that if the air can drag ether 100% (necessary for a null Michelson-Morley) then glass or water ought to, but Fizeau's experiments showed that it doesn't.

As Nugatory says, more detail on what you are reading and what you don't understand would help.
 
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FAQ: Michelson-Morley Experiment: Objection Explained

What is the Michelson-Morley Experiment?

The Michelson-Morley Experiment was a scientific experiment conducted in 1887 by Albert Michelson and Edward Morley to measure the speed of light in different directions. It was designed to test the theory of the luminiferous aether, which was believed to be the medium through which light waves travel.

What was the purpose of the Michelson-Morley Experiment?

The purpose of the Michelson-Morley Experiment was to detect the presence of the luminiferous aether and measure its properties. The experiment was also intended to provide evidence for the theory of a stationary aether, which was widely accepted at the time.

What were the results of the Michelson-Morley Experiment?

The results of the Michelson-Morley Experiment were unexpected and controversial. The experiment showed that the speed of light was constant in all directions, regardless of the Earth's motion around the sun. This contradicted the prevailing belief that the Earth's motion through the aether would cause a difference in the speed of light.

How did the scientific community respond to the results of the Michelson-Morley Experiment?

The results of the Michelson-Morley Experiment were initially met with skepticism and disbelief. However, as more scientists attempted to replicate the experiment and obtained similar results, the scientific community began to accept the findings. This led to the development of Einstein's theory of relativity, which explained the constant speed of light without the need for an aether.

What is the significance of the Michelson-Morley Experiment in the history of science?

The Michelson-Morley Experiment is considered one of the most important experiments in the history of science. It challenged the prevailing beliefs about the nature of light and led to the development of new theories, such as Einstein's theory of relativity. It also paved the way for future experiments and discoveries in the field of physics, ultimately changing our understanding of the universe.

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