7 Michelson-Morley Experiment

What was the primary objective of the Michelson-Morley experiment?

• To measure the speed of light in water

• To detect Earth's motion through the ether

• To demonstrate interference patterns of light

What did the Michelson-Morley experiment conclude about the ether?

• It exists and affects the speed of light

• It does not exist

• It exists but does not affect the speed of light

• The experiment was inconclusive about the ether

Which scientific principle is primarily demonstrated by the Michelson-Morley experiment?

• Refraction of light

• Diffraction of light

• Interference of light

• Polarization of light

How does the phenomenon of interference relate to the Michelson-Morley experiment?

• It was used to measure the intensity of light

• It was used to detect variations in light speed due to ether

• It was unrelated to the experiment's objectives

• It was a byproduct observed during the experiment

What was the expected result if ether existed, according to the Michelson-Morley experiment setup?

• Light would travel faster in the direction of Earth's motion

• Light would slow down in a vacuum

• Light speed would remain constant in all directions

• Light would show no interference patterns

What did the Michelson-Morley experiment use to create the interference pattern?

• A single light source split into two beams

• Two different light sources

• A prism to disperse light

• A mirror to reflect light

What is the principle of superposition in the context of light interference?

• The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection

• The path length difference between two waves determines their phase relationship

• Light always travels in straight lines

• The speed of light is constant in all media

In the context of the Michelson-Morley experiment, what does the term "fringe shift" refer to?

• A change in the color of the interference fringes

• A movement of the interference pattern due to changes in light speed

• The initial alignment of the interference fringes

• The distance between two bright fringes

What was the significance of the null result in the Michelson-Morley experiment?

• It proved the existence of the ether

• It suggested that the speed of light is constant

• It disproved the theory of relativity

• It showed that light does not exhibit interference

How does constructive interference occur in light waves?

• When the peaks of two waves align

• When the peaks of one wave align with the troughs of another

• When light waves pass through a polarizing filter

• When light waves are reflected off a surface