Michelson Morley Experiment

M: In summary, the speaker is seeking clarification on whether there will be a change in the time difference between T1 and T2 when the apparatus is rotated, and why the order of the time difference (T1-T2 or T2-T1) does not change after rotation. The experiment involves testing the speed of light in relation to the speed of the source in the medium (the ether). The results showed no time difference between the two paths.
  • #1
KIRIT PUROHIT
1
0
Pl. guide me for the doubts that i have in MME

In this experiment suppose L1 = L2 Then in this case will there be in any change in time difference T1-T2 calculated before and after rotation of the apparatus?

Another query is first we find T1-T2 now if first path is parallel to ether wind then T1>T2 & so T1-T2 is ok. But after rotating through 90 now T1 < T2 so why we do not write T2-T1?
 
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  • #2
KIRIT PUROHIT said:
Pl. guide me for the doubts that i have in MME

In this experiment suppose L1 = L2 Then in this case will there be in any change in time difference T1-T2 calculated before and after rotation of the apparatus?
The hypothesis was that there should be a difference due to the speed of light being dependent upon the speed of the source relative to the medium (the ether). L1 and L2 were perpendicular to each other so as the Earth changed its position relative to the ether, there should be a difference between times taken for light to travel the two paths. As it turned out, there was a null result. No time difference was observed.

Another query is first we find T1-T2 now if first path is parallel to ether wind then T1>T2 & so T1-T2 is ok. But after rotating through 90 now T1 < T2 so why we do not write T2-T1?
But you would not know which direction the ether wind is travelling, so you would not know how either path is oriented to the ether wind. All you are interested in is measuring the magnitude of the time difference.

AM
 

1. What is the Michelson Morley Experiment?

The Michelson Morley Experiment was a scientific experiment conducted in the late 19th century by Albert Michelson and Edward Morley. Its purpose was to detect the existence of an "ether" that was believed to be the medium through which light waves traveled.

2. What were the results of the Michelson Morley Experiment?

The results of the experiment were unexpected and groundbreaking. The experiment did not detect any motion of the Earth through the ether, which contradicted the prevailing belief at the time. This result ultimately led to the development of Albert Einstein's theory of relativity.

3. How was the Michelson Morley Experiment conducted?

The experiment involved the use of an interferometer, which split a beam of light into two perpendicular beams. The two beams then traveled along different paths and were recombined to produce interference patterns. The interference patterns were expected to shift if the Earth was moving through the ether, but no such shift was observed.

4. Why is the Michelson Morley Experiment important?

The Michelson Morley Experiment is considered one of the most important experiments in the history of physics. Its results challenged the established beliefs about the nature of light and space, and laid the foundation for Einstein's theory of relativity. It also paved the way for further experiments that led to our understanding of the fundamental principles of the universe.

5. Has the Michelson Morley Experiment been repeated?

Yes, the Michelson Morley Experiment has been repeated numerous times with improved technology and methods. These repeated experiments have consistently confirmed the original results, further solidifying its importance in the field of physics.

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