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.

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Apply x′=x−vt and t′=t to transform an event’s position and time between moving frames.
Derive or use the classical velocity consequence and the unchanged length/time assumptions of the Galilean model.
Predict how Galilean transformations would affect light-speed measurements, including the expected Michelson–Morley result, and identify the model’s limitation.

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Study A.5.3 (HL)—Galilean transformations conceptsOpen the corresponding Concept lesson for explanations, examples and exam connections.

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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