What is the speed of light in a Michelson interferometer?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the speed of light in the context of a Michelson interferometer, specifically addressing the behavior of light as it travels to and from mirrors and the implications of the aether theory.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on the speed of light to and from the mirrors in a Michelson interferometer.
  • Another participant requests elaboration on the initial question, indicating a lack of understanding.
  • A participant elaborates that they are questioning why the speed of light is considered c-v when traveling to a mirror and c+v when returning, suggesting a dependence on the direction relative to the aether.
  • One participant asserts that the speed of light in a vacuum is always c, referencing historical views of Michelson and Morley regarding the aether's influence on light speed.
  • A later reply acknowledges the previous points but suggests a different interpretation of the speed of light depending on the angle between the light and the aether, indicating a nuanced understanding of the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the behavior of light speed in relation to the aether, with no consensus reached on the interpretations presented.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the aether theory and its implications for light speed, as well as the specific conditions under which the claims about c-v and c+v are made.

queenstudy
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can someone explain to me the speed of light to the mirror and back from the mirror before reaching the telescope ?? please
 
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I'm sorry, I don't understand what you are asking. Could you elaborate your question a bit more?
 
sorry i shoudl have elaborated more , i mean why the speed of light from the half painted mirror to one of the two mirrors is c-v and c+v from the mirror to the painted mirror??
 
The speed of light in a vacuum is always c. Michelson and Morley erroneously thought that light would travel at c+v if it was moving in the same direction as the aether (which presumably travels at v), and c-v when moving in the opposite direction as the aether.
 
mmm i have read it you are right in everything but in the speed of c and ether c-v when angle between them is zero and c+v when they are opposite but thank you for all your help
 

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