Understanding Michelson-Morley Experiment

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In summary, the Michelson-Morley experiment was a scientific experiment conducted in the late 19th century to measure the speed of light and investigate the existence of the "ether". It was important because it disproved the existence of the ether and challenged the prevailing theory of how electromagnetic waves propagate through space. The experiment involved splitting a beam of light and sending it in two perpendicular directions along equal paths, and found that the speed of light is constant regardless of the observer's frame of reference. This had significant implications for our understanding of space and time, leading to the development of Einstein's theory of special relativity and the abandonment of the concept of the ether. The Michelson-Morley experiment continues to have a profound impact on modern science
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Odai
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hello,

Recently I've been doing a little research of my own into spec. relativity, out of personal interest (I've applied to study physics at uni). However, one thing I can't get my head around is the Michelson-Morley experiment. I've tried using books and pictures, but I just can't understand what's going on. :confused:

Could anyone point me to a video or something that could explain the experiment, or offer their own explanation?

Thanks in advance for your help!

(1st post BTW! :smile:)
 
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Caltech: The Mechanical Universe - 41 - The Michelson-Morley Experiment
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4553968418923601369
 
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Hello and welcome!

The Michelson-Morley experiment is a crucial experiment in the history of physics. It was designed to measure the speed of light in different directions, in order to test the idea that the speed of light is constant in all directions. This idea was a fundamental assumption in the theory of ether, which was believed to be the medium through which light waves traveled.

The experiment involved splitting a beam of light into two perpendicular paths, with one path traveling in the direction of Earth's motion around the sun and the other path traveling perpendicular to it. The two paths were then recombined and the resulting interference pattern was observed.

According to the theory of ether, the speed of light traveling in the direction of Earth's motion should have been faster than the speed of light traveling perpendicular to it. However, the experiment showed that the speed of light was the same in both directions, contradicting the theory of ether and paving the way for Einstein's theory of special relativity.

To better understand the experiment, it may be helpful to think of the light as a wave traveling through water. If you were to row a boat in the same direction as the waves, the waves would appear to be moving faster than if you were rowing perpendicular to them. This was the logic behind the theory of ether and the expected results of the Michelson-Morley experiment.

I hope this explanation helps! If you're still having trouble understanding, there are many videos and resources available online that can provide a visual representation of the experiment. Good luck with your studies!
 

FAQ: Understanding Michelson-Morley Experiment

What is the Michelson-Morley experiment?

The Michelson-Morley experiment was a scientific experiment conducted in the late 19th century to measure the speed of light and investigate the existence of the "ether", a hypothetical medium thought to permeate space and through which light waves were believed to travel.

Why was the Michelson-Morley experiment important?

The Michelson-Morley experiment was important because it disproved the existence of the ether and challenged the prevailing theory of how electromagnetic waves, such as light, propagated through space. This led to the development of Albert Einstein's theory of special relativity, which revolutionized our understanding of space and time.

How did the Michelson-Morley experiment work?

The experiment involved splitting a beam of light and sending it in two perpendicular directions along equal paths, then recombining the beams to create an interference pattern. The expected result was a shift in the interference pattern due to the earth's movement through the ether. However, the experiment found no shift, indicating that the speed of light is constant regardless of the observer's frame of reference.

What were the implications of the Michelson-Morley experiment?

The Michelson-Morley experiment had significant implications for our understanding of the nature of space and time. It provided evidence for the concept of a fixed speed of light, which is a cornerstone of Einstein's theory of special relativity. The experiment also challenged the traditional idea of an absolute frame of reference, leading to the development of the theory of relativity.

How has the Michelson-Morley experiment impacted modern science?

The Michelson-Morley experiment has had a profound impact on modern science. It paved the way for the development of Einstein's theory of special relativity, which has fundamentally changed our understanding of space and time. The experiment also led to the abandonment of the concept of the ether and sparked new research and discoveries in the field of physics. It continues to be an important experiment in the history of science and is still referenced in current research and theories.

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