Ether with a speed of at least 3x10^4 m/sec?

In summary, the experiment discussed the Earth's movement relative to the ether with a speed of at least 3x10^4 m/sec. The Earth's orbital path around the sun, which is not a straight line, could account for this speed. However, it was assumed that the Earth could not drag the ether along, at least for this particular experiment.
  • #1
esb08
7
0
Why in this experiment was it safe to assume that at some time of the year the Earth should be moving relative to the ether with a speed of at least 3x10^4 m/sec??
 
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  • #2


The Earth's path around the sun is not a straight line. The change in velocity from one side of the orbit to its opposite side would account for it. I haven't calculated the value, but it looks like that will be the difference.
 
  • #3


However one must assume that the Earth can not drag the ether along.
 
  • #4


Lojzek said:
However one must assume that the Earth can not drag the ether along.
Well, for that experiment, anyway.
 

1. What is Ether?

Ether is a hypothetical substance that was once believed to fill all of space and allow for the propagation of electromagnetic waves, such as light. It was later disproven by the theory of relativity.

2. How fast does Ether travel?

The speed of Ether is believed to be at least 3x10^4 m/sec, which is equivalent to 30,000 meters per second. This estimate is based on the speed of light, which is the fastest known speed in the universe.

3. How was the speed of Ether determined?

The speed of Ether was initially determined by experiments conducted in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, these experiments were later disproven by the theory of relativity, which showed that the speed of light is constant and does not require a medium to travel through.

4. What is the significance of Ether's speed being at least 3x10^4 m/sec?

The significance of this speed is that it is close to the speed of light, which is the fastest known speed in the universe. This suggests that Ether may have played a role in the propagation of light and other electromagnetic waves before the theory of relativity was developed.

5. Is Ether still a valid concept in modern science?

No, the concept of Ether has been disproven by the theory of relativity. However, some physicists still use the term "ether" to refer to the fabric of space-time and the vacuum of the universe.

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