No width contraction in Michelson Morley Experiment, why?

In summary, the Michelson Morley Experiment showed that there was no evidence of the Earth's motion affecting the speed of light, which contradicted the theory of aether and the concept of relative motion. This was due to the lack of width contraction, as predicted by the aether theory, and instead supported Albert Einstein's theory of special relativity. The experiment's results were significant in shaping our understanding of space and time, and ultimately led to the development of the theory of general relativity.
  • #1
birulami
155
0
Based on the Michelson Morley experiment, Lorentz proposed already length contraction as an explanation of the negative outcome of the experiment.

a) Did he also propose time dilation?
b) How is width contraction ruled out: is that a necessary conclusion of the Michelson Morley experiment or was this ruled out by some specific other experiment.

Citations would be nice.

Thanks,
Harald.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
This is how I understood it:

The length contraction is not ruled out, it is still part of the explanation. If the experiment is observed from space, so that Earth does not seem to be at rest, then the relative velocity of Earth and light beams is not the c (in this frame), and the length contraction must be taken into account to explain the outcome of the experiment.
 
  • #3
jostpuur said:
This is how I understood it:

The length contraction is not ruled out, it is still part of the explanation.

That's what I said. I was asking about width contraction.

Harald.
 
  • #4
birulami said:
That's what I said. I was asking about width contraction.

Harald.

If "motion is along the x-axis", are you referring to the absence of contraction in the "y" and the "z" directions?
 
  • #5
robphy said:
If "motion is along the x-axis", are you referring to the absence of contraction in the "y" and the "z" directions?

Well, yes:approve:, anything orthogonal to the direction of motion.

Harald.
 
  • #6
Essentially, one can regard each arm of the Michelson-Morley apparatus as a "light clock". So, your question is the same as asking why there is no contraction for a "transverse light clock".

Take a look at https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?p=997598 .
 

1. What is the Michelson-Morley Experiment?

The Michelson-Morley Experiment was a scientific experiment conducted in the late 19th century to measure the speed of light. It was designed to test the theory of the luminiferous ether, a supposed medium through which light travels. The experiment involved splitting a beam of light and measuring the time it took for each half to travel along perpendicular paths. The results of the experiment showed that the speed of light is constant, regardless of the direction of the light's travel, and therefore disproved the existence of the luminiferous ether.

2. Why is the lack of width contraction in the Michelson-Morley Experiment significant?

The lack of width contraction in the Michelson-Morley Experiment is significant because it directly contradicted the prevailing theory of the time, which stated that the speed of light would be affected by the motion of the Earth through the supposed ether. The experiment's results showed that the speed of light is constant, regardless of the Earth's motion, and therefore challenged the foundational principles of physics.

3. How did the Michelson-Morley Experiment impact the development of physics?

The Michelson-Morley Experiment had a significant impact on the development of physics. Its findings led to the development of the theory of special relativity by Albert Einstein, which revolutionized our understanding of space and time. The experiment also paved the way for further research into the nature of light and the principles of physics, ultimately leading to advancements in fields such as quantum mechanics and particle physics.

4. What were the possible explanations for the lack of width contraction in the Michelson-Morley Experiment?

The lack of width contraction in the Michelson-Morley Experiment could be explained by either the absence of the luminiferous ether or the concept of length contraction. The experiment's results were consistent with the idea that objects in motion appear shorter to an observer, as proposed by the theory of special relativity. This concept would later be confirmed by further experiments and has become an integral part of our understanding of the universe.

5. Are there any modern experiments that have replicated the Michelson-Morley Experiment with different equipment?

Yes, there have been several modern experiments that have replicated the Michelson-Morley Experiment using different equipment and methods. These experiments have consistently confirmed the results of the original experiment, showing that the speed of light is constant and that there is no evidence of an ether that affects its speed. This further strengthens the validity of the theory of special relativity and its impact on our understanding of the physical world.

Similar threads

I Length contraction and time dilation
    • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
36
Views
2K
I Understanding Michelson Morley Experiment
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
14
Views
2K
B Is Lorentz Contraction Bona Fide or Just A "Perspective"?
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
13
Views
1K
B Ether and Michelson-Morley experiment
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
15
Views
2K
I What was the role of frequency in the Michelson-Morley experiment's null result?
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
3
Views
433
I Why do we need a theory to replace the Galilian composition of velocities?
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
16
Views
2K
B Evolution of Principles: Michelson-Morley, Lorentz & Einstein
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
4
Views
1K
B Measuring Michelson–Morley light beams
    • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
62
Views
4K
I Why is the medium in the Michelson Morley experiment ignored
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
19
Views
3K
I Lorentz derivation of length contraction in electrodynamics
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
3
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top