Michelson-Morley Experiment Question (No math)

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In summary, the Michelson-Morley experiment was an attempt to measure the absolute speed of the Earth or the speed with respect to the aether. However, the experiment failed to detect any fringe shift, leading to the conclusion that there is no such thing as absolute speed or aether. This was later replaced by Einstein's theory of relativity.
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I have a question about the Michelson-Morley experiment.

In the experiment, Michelson was looking for a fringe shift, right? Would this fringe shift have been detectable AFTER the 90 degree rotation of the apparatus or only DURING the rotation?

I ask because it seems to me that the fringe patterns would be identical before and after the rotation, since for all practical purposes the two arrangements would be identical. It would only be DURING the rotation that the light pulses could interfere with each other in any detectable way.

Am I misunderstanding this?
 
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You are correct. No shift was detected. That's why they call it the "most famous failed experiment". It was an attempt to measure the absolute speed of the Earth or the speed with respect to the aether. It turned out there is no such thing as absolute speed and no aether. Einstein's theory of relativity replaced all that.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelson-Morely
 

Related to Michelson-Morley Experiment Question (No math)

1. What is the Michelson-Morley experiment?

The Michelson-Morley experiment was a scientific experiment conducted in 1887 by Albert Michelson and Edward Morley to measure the speed of light through the Earth's "ether" medium. It was designed to detect the Earth's movement through the ether, which was believed to be the medium through which light traveled.

2. What was the purpose of the Michelson-Morley experiment?

The purpose of the Michelson-Morley experiment was to test the existence of the "ether" medium and to measure the Earth's velocity through it. This was an important topic in the late 19th century, as scientists were trying to understand the nature of light and how it traveled through space.

3. What were the results of the Michelson-Morley experiment?

The results of the Michelson-Morley experiment were unexpected and puzzling. The experiment found no evidence of the Earth's movement through the ether, and the speed of light was found to be the same in all directions. This led to the rejection of the ether theory and paved the way for Albert Einstein's theory of relativity.

4. How did the Michelson-Morley experiment impact the field of physics?

The Michelson-Morley experiment had a significant impact on the field of physics. It challenged the existing theories of the "ether" medium and the concept of absolute space and time. The experiment's results were crucial in the development of Einstein's theory of relativity, which revolutionized our understanding of space, time, and the nature of light.

5. Is the Michelson-Morley experiment still relevant today?

Yes, the Michelson-Morley experiment is still relevant today. It is considered one of the most important experiments in the history of physics and continues to be studied and referenced in modern research. The experiment's results have had a lasting impact on our understanding of the fundamental properties of light and the structure of the universe.

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