Puzzle of negative result of Michelson Morley experiment

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the implications of the Michelson-Morley experiment's negative results, which led to the development of Einstein's theory of relativity. Participants highlight that the constancy of light speed in all frames of reference contradicts the Galilean transformation, necessitating concepts like length contraction and time dilation. The conversation emphasizes that the absence of ether is a critical conclusion, as it aligns with the principle of relativity. Fizeau's 1850 measurements are cited as a direct falsification of Galilean transformations, reinforcing the need for a new framework in understanding light behavior.

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  • Understanding of the Michelson-Morley experiment
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  • Knowledge of Galilean transformations
  • Awareness of Fizeau's 1850 measurements of light speed
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mdn
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HI all
How can Michelson itself predicted contraction of length and Einstein about constancy of light from negative result of MM experiment.
forget about existence of ether, light speed always same in moving frame of reference and importantly in any direction so how can one except shift in fringes?
not only light, any object would have been same speed in all direction in moving frame of reference.
 
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That last part is called The Principle of Relativity and extending the concept to include light while reconciling it with a constant speed of light was indeed the key conclusion. To most people that is a surprising result and to make like be the same speed for everyone regardless of their state of motion requires length contraction/time dilation. Otherwise, shooting a beam of light from a moving object to a stationary one would give two different speeds of light according to the two observers.
 
thanks
the answer would have been " no ether" that's sufficient. would you give me one practical example where Galilean transformation is ineffective?
 
mdn said:
thanks
the answer would have been " no ether" that's sufficient. would you give me one practical example where Galilean transformation is ineffective?
There is a sticky thread at the top of this forum on experimental confirmation of relativity. The great majority cannot be reconciled with the Galilean transforms.

Fizeau's 1850 measurements of the speed of light in a moving medium are a direct falsification of Galilean transformations.
 

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