Chapter 26, Problem 1RQ

Review Question 26.1 Why is the historical role of the Michelson-Morley experiment that of a testing experiment, not an observational experiment?

To determine

The reason that Michelson-Morley experiment is a testing experiment rather than an observational experiment.

Answer to Problem 1RQ

Solution:

Michelson-Morley experiment is a testing experiment because the concept of ether was just a theory and not an experiment based result.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Michelson-Morley experiment was performed to check the existence of ether.

Explanation:

At the time of Michelson-Morley experiment it was required to have a material medium to travel through the waves. For example, ocean waves through water, a sound wave needs air.

The role of the medium is to transfer the disturbance produced by a source from one location to the other.

Considering the fact that light is also a wave, so the physicist thought that light also requires a medium to travel and called it ether.

In order to check the existence of ether, Michelson-Morley experiment was performed. But the experimental results did not match the thoughts of the physicists.

Conclusion:

The Michelson-Morley experiment was based on the thought of the existence of ether and it was not observational. Hence, the Michelson-Morley experiment was a testing experiment.