How Does the Kennedy-Thorndike Experiment Address the Ether Wind Hypothesis?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion focuses on the Kennedy-Thorndike experiment and its implications for the ether wind hypothesis. Participants analyze the calculation of relative velocities, specifically addressing the discrepancy between terms '2uv' and '4uv' in the context of Δt calculations. The discussion emphasizes the importance of considering both maximum and minimum relative velocities and the initial factor of 2 in the Δt expression. Participants clarify the relationship between these variables and their impact on the overall understanding of the experiment.

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  • Understanding of the Kennedy-Thorndike experiment
  • Familiarity with concepts of relative velocity
  • Knowledge of time dilation and Δt calculations
  • Basic grasp of the ether wind hypothesis
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  • Research the mathematical derivation of the Kennedy-Thorndike experiment
  • Study the implications of relative velocity in special relativity
  • Explore the historical context of the ether wind hypothesis
  • Learn about time dilation effects in different reference frames
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Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in the historical and theoretical aspects of the ether wind hypothesis and its relation to the Kennedy-Thorndike experiment.

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Homework Statement


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In this problem i take the maximum relative velocity of ether wind to be (u + v) where they both complement each other..



The Attempt at a Solution



Not sure how they ended up with a '4uv' term..
 
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Would appreciate any help..
 
unscientific said:
In this problem i take the maximum relative velocity of ether wind to be (u + v) where they both complement each other..
Good. What would the minimum relative velocity be during the day? δ is the change in Δt(c/λ) in going from maximum to minimum relative velocity.
 
Last edited:
TSny said:
Good. What would the minimum relative velocity be during the day? δ is the change in Δt(c/λ) in going from maximum to minimum relative velocity.

I got very close to the answer, just that my term had a '2uv' instead of a '4uv'..
 
Did you calculate Δt for both the maximum and minimum velocity relative to the ether and then take the difference between these two Δt's? Also note the initial factor of 2 in the expression for Δt.
 
TSny said:
Did you calculate Δt for both the maximum and minimum velocity relative to the ether and then take the difference between these two Δt's? Also note the initial factor of 2 in the expression for Δt.

Yes, but there is a factor of (1/2) beside the square...
 
Ah, I see my mistake now..
 

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