Michelson-Morley Exp: Laws of Reflection Explained

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Michelson-Morley experiment and the application of the laws of reflection in the context of a moving mirror. Participants confirm that the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection when analyzed from the mirror's reference frame. This validates the laws of reflection within the lab frame, ensuring that the experimental setup adheres to established optical principles. The conversation emphasizes the importance of reference frames in understanding light behavior in moving systems.

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GAURAV DADWAL
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Michelson-Morley Exp..png
Hello there,
I have a problem with this image from the Michelson Morley experiment in which one tries to calculate the time taken by the light beam to traverse the arm of interferometer perpendicular to the velocity of the frame in 'ether'.
So the problem is, Are laws of reflection being followed where the light beam encounters the first mirror?. The angle of incidence does not appear to be equal to the angle of reflection.
Any comments...
 

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The mirror is moving, in the reference frame of the mirror the reflection leaves under the angle you would expect.
 
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mfb said:
The mirror is moving, in the reference frame of the mirror the reflection leaves under the angle you would expect.
meaning, the laws of reflection are valid in the mirror frame of reference.
 
Right. This reference frame is the lab frame, where we can check that the reflection works as expected.
 
Thanx:smile:
 

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