IB Physics HL A 5 3 Hl Galilean Transformations Questions

Apply Galilean transformations to positions, times and light-speed predictions, and identify the classical model’s limitations.

Exam points

Apply Galilean transformations to position, velocity and time between inertial reference frames.
Solve relative-motion problems by transforming measurements between observers using complete evidence.

[Maximum number: 4]

This question is about the Michelson-Morley experiment.

The diagram shows the basic features of the Michelson-Morley experiment.

Figure for Question IB Physics HL A 5 3 Hl Galilean Transformations Questions question 1 — IB Physics HL

During the experiment, Michelson and Morley slowly rotated the apparatus through $90^{\circ}$ . Discuss, with reference to Galilean transformations, the changes that Michelson and Morley expected to observe during the experiment.

(according to a Galilean transformation) speed of light depends on the direction of motion (through the ether);
beam which reflects from mirror $M_{1}$ takes different/less time than the beam reflecting from $\mathrm{M}_{2}$ ;
the time taken to travel each path will change as the apparatus is rotated;
a changing interference pattern is observed;

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IB Physics HL A 5 3 Hl Galilean Transformations Questions question 1