Space-Time Lab - Tutor Page 8
 |
Answer: B) Michelson & Morley tried this experiment, and of course in every orientation possible, they found no difference in the two beams of light. Einstein AND Newton could have told them that, because a measurement of absolute motion violates the classical law of relativity. But what about this experiment: Instead of watching the photons from their rest frame, what would happen if we stood from afar, and watched them move by? Lets now do the same experiment, except from an 'observer' frame (the frame from which .66c was measured at the top of the applet). You'll notice that things are very different in this situation. All of this aside, would we witness a phase shift between the two photons? A) Yes, the photon parallel to the motion has less distance to travel, so it will return sooner. B) Yes, the motion does not effect the anti-parallel photon, so it will return sooner. C) No, the photons return at the same time as before. Please choose your answer and click Next. |
| Back Page 8 | A B C |
Questions or Comments? Send email to phys1@its.caltech.edu | |