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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the Kennedy-Thorndike experiment and its implications for the ether wind hypothesis, focusing on the calculations related to relative velocities and time differences.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the concept of maximum and minimum relative velocities of the ether wind, questioning the derivation of specific terms in their calculations, such as '4uv' versus '2uv'.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing their calculations and questioning the factors involved in their expressions for Δt. Some participants have identified potential errors in their reasoning, while others are seeking clarification on the initial factors in their equations.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on understanding the changes in Δt as it relates to maximum and minimum velocities, with specific attention to the factors involved in the calculations. Participants are also navigating the constraints of the problem as posed in a homework context.

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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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