IB Physics HL A 5 5 Hl Two Postulates of Special Relativity Questions

Apply the two postulates of special relativity to light-speed invariance, inertial frames, simultaneity, observations and the Michelson–Morley result.

Exam points

State and apply the two postulates of special relativity: relativity principle and invariant light speed.
Use the postulates to reason about observations in inertial frames with complete mark-scheme evidence.

[Maximum number: 3]

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 5 Hl Two Postulates of Special Relativity Questions question 1 — IB Physics HL

(a)

Describe how the observations made by Michelson and Morley differed from what was expected.

[ 1 ]

(b)

Explain the importance of the outcome of the Michelson-Morley experiment in support of the special theory of relativity.

[ 2 ]

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IB Physics HL A 5 5 Hl Two Postulates of Special Relativity Questions question 1

Question (a)

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