Michelson-Morley experiment doubts

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Michelson-Morley experiment and the behavior of light in relation to a moving apparatus. A participant expresses confusion about why light appears to move along the hypotenuse of a triangle when the apparatus is in motion. Another participant clarifies that a vertically aimed light beam in a moving frame will indeed have a horizontal component in a stationary frame, which is essential for the beam to hit the mirror. This exchange highlights the fundamental principles of special relativity and the implications of relative motion on light's trajectory.

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Highwaydude
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Hello, I am newly learning special relativity. I have this particular doubt>

Why is light moving along the hypoteneuse of the triangle while we are moving the apparatus?
(Its not like it has a horizontal component of velocity which is equal to the velocity of the apparatus).
 
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Why do you think you know how light is moving?

If you know, you need to let the rest of us know, because you have information that nobody else has.
 
Highwaydude, A light beam aimed vertically in the moving frame will be seen to have a horizontal component in the stationary frame. If if did not, it would fail to hit the mirror.
 
Sorry for replying late.. yes after a bit of thinking I've figured it out, like you said, since the apparatus is moving we are seeing it as if it moves along an angle. :)
 

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