Need Help with Relativity Questions

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In summary: Please do not post the same question multiple times. Thank you.In summary, the conversation involves asking for help with two physics problems. The first problem pertains to the Michelson-Morley experiment and the calculation of Earth's motion through the ether. The second problem involves comparing measurements made by observers in two different inertial reference frames. The measurements that must yield the same results include the distance between two events, the value of the mass of a proton, the speed of light, the time interval between two events, Newton's first law, the order of the elements in the periodic table, and the value of the electron charge.
  • #1
relativemuon
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Hello, I have two physics problems I'm having difficulty with. Can someone help me?
1) A shift of one fringe in the Michelson-Morley experiment would result from a difference of one wavelength or a change of one period of vibration in the round-trip travel of the light when the interferometer is rotated by 90°. What speed would Michelson have computed for Earth's motion through the ether had the experiment seen a shift of one fringe?
2) Consider two inertial reference frames. When an observer in each frame measures the following quantities, which measurements made by the two observers must yield the same results? (Select all that apply.)
the distance between two events
the value of the mass of a proton
the speed of light
the time interval between two events
Newton's first law
the order of the elements in the periodic table
the value of the electron charge

Thank you for your help!
 
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  • #2
You have posted this on several different forums (though not, oddly enough, the relativity forum!). I suspect it belongs in the homework forum.

These are very basic questions that you should be able to answer by reviewing the definitions in the first few pages of your text. In any case, give us some idea of how you have attempted to answer them and where, exactly you have difficulty.
 
  • #3
I've moved the other thread to College Level Help.
 

1. What is relativity and why is it important?

Relativity is a theory developed by Albert Einstein that explains how objects move and interact in space and time. It is important because it revolutionized our understanding of the universe and has been confirmed by numerous experiments and observations.

2. What are the two types of relativity?

The two types of relativity are special relativity and general relativity. Special relativity deals with the laws of physics in inertial frames of reference, while general relativity extends these laws to non-inertial frames and includes the effects of gravity.

3. How does time dilation work in relativity?

Time dilation is a phenomenon in which time appears to pass slower for an object in motion compared to a stationary observer. This is due to the fact that in relativity, time and space are interconnected, and the faster an object moves through space, the slower time passes for that object.

4. Can you provide an example of the theory of relativity in action?

One example of the theory of relativity in action is the measurement of the GPS system. The satellites in the GPS system are moving at high speeds relative to Earth, which causes their clocks to tick slightly slower. Without accounting for this effect, the GPS system would not be accurate, but thanks to the theory of relativity, the necessary adjustments can be made.

5. Is relativity still a valid theory today?

Yes, relativity is still a valid theory today. It has been extensively tested and confirmed by various experiments and observations, and it is used in many modern technologies, such as GPS and nuclear power plants. However, it is important to note that it is still an active area of research and may be refined or expanded upon in the future.

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