What Is the Key Principle of the Michelson/Morley Experiment Apparatus?

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In summary, the critical basis of the apparatus used in the Michelson/Morley experiment is that the distance traveled by light using either path must be equal, as it would be impossible to measure sub-micrometer movements precisely to account for any shifts in the interference pattern.
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Shark 774
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Which one of the statements below specifies the critical basis of the apparatus used in the Michelson/Morley experiment?
A) The half-silvered mirror must reflect exactly half the light.
B) Mirror 1 and mirror 2 must be identical.
C) The distance traveled by light using either path must be equal.
D) The components must not move relative to each other.

I don't think A or B are right. If the different distances were known C would be fine. If the relative speeds and distances between parts were known then D should also be fine, I would think. Any ideas?
 
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D is not fine. If the components of the interferometer moved, and you observed a shift in the interference pattern, how would you know whether the shift was due to the components moving or due to the aether changing direction relative to the device? In theory, you can precisely measure the movements of the interferometer's components and account for them. In practice, it's impossible to measure sub-micrometer movements that precisely.
 

FAQ: What Is the Key Principle of the Michelson/Morley Experiment Apparatus?

1. What is the Michelson/Morley Experiment?

The Michelson/Morley Experiment was a scientific experiment conducted in the late 19th century by Albert Michelson and Edward Morley to measure the speed of light and determine the existence of the luminiferous ether, a hypothetical medium thought to transmit light waves.

2. What was the purpose of the Michelson/Morley Experiment?

The main purpose of the experiment was to detect the presence of the luminiferous ether and measure its speed relative to the Earth's motion through it. This would have provided evidence for the existence of the ether and supported the prevailing theory of the time, the ether theory of light.

3. How did the Michelson/Morley Experiment work?

The experiment involved splitting a beam of light into two perpendicular beams and then recombining them. This would create an interference pattern, which would shift if one of the light beams traveled through the ether. By measuring this shift, the speed of the ether could be determined.

4. What were the results of the Michelson/Morley Experiment?

The results of the experiment were unexpected and groundbreaking. Despite the Earth's motion through the ether, no shift in the interference pattern was observed. This indicated that the ether did not exist and challenged the prevailing theory of the time, leading to the development of the theory of relativity.

5. Why is the Michelson/Morley Experiment significant?

The Michelson/Morley Experiment is considered one of the most important experiments in the history of science as it played a crucial role in the development of the theory of relativity and the understanding of the nature of light. It also paved the way for future experiments that further supported the theory of relativity and revolutionized our understanding of the universe.

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