Experiments that try to contradict theories (but proved them)

[BitterX]

Hey,
I'm looking for examples of Experiments by physicists who tried to prove a theory wrong, but
ended up with results that agree with theory.
I'm not talking about experiments that were done on a widely accepted theory.

for example, Robert Milikan's experiment of the photoelectric effect.

Thank you!

 

[phinds]

How about the other way round? For example the measurements that were intended to determine the amount by which the universe was slowing down but ended up showing that it is expanding?

 

[BitterX]

That's a great example, here's the (main) article:
http://iopscience.iop.org/1538-3881/116/3/1009/fulltext/

 

[Vanadium 50]

How about Ives and Stillwell?

 

[pmacias]

I find this topic very interesting. It is a common misconception that experiments are only done to prove a theory right. In fact, many experiments are designed to try and disprove a theory or find its limitations. This is an important part of the scientific process as it allows us to continuously refine and improve our understanding of the natural world.

One famous example of an experiment that tried to contradict a theory but ended up proving it is the Michelson-Morley experiment. This experiment was designed to detect the existence of the luminiferous ether, a substance believed to be the medium that light waves traveled through. However, the results of the experiment showed that the speed of light was constant in all directions, contradicting the idea of an ether. This paved the way for Albert Einstein's theory of special relativity.

Another example is the famous double-slit experiment, which was designed to test the wave-particle duality of light. This experiment initially seemed to contradict the wave theory of light, but further analysis and variations of the experiment eventually led to the development of the quantum theory of light.

In the field of genetics, the experiment conducted by Gregor Mendel on pea plants was initially seen as contradicting the widely accepted theory of blending inheritance. However, his results were later understood to be in line with the theory of genetics, laying the foundation for our modern understanding of genetics.

These are just a few examples of experiments that were initially designed to contradict a theory but ended up supporting it. As scientists, it is important to approach our research with an open mind and be willing to challenge our own beliefs. Only through rigorous testing and experimentation can we truly understand the complexities of the natural world.