Asked in UHS MDCAT 2009 2009Moderate

In Michelson's Experiment, the formula to calculate the speed of light is:

Correct answer: D. c = 16 fd

  • A. c = 2 fd
  • B. c = 2π f / d
  • C. c = 16 f / d
  • D. c = 16 fd

Explanation

Explanation:c = 16fd is the correct formula to calculate the speed of light in Michelson's Experiment. In this formula, c is the speed of light, f is the frequency of the light source, and d is the distance travelled by light between the mirrors. By measuring the interference pattern produced by the two beams of light in Michelson's interferometer, the distance travelled by light (d) can be calculated, and hence the speed of light "c" can be determined using this formula. This option is not correct because the formula c = 2fd does not include the number of fringes observed, which is a critical factor in the experiment.This option is incorrect because the formula c = 2πf /d is the formula for calculating the wavelength of light, not the speed of light. This option is incorrect because this formula does not include the distance between the mirrors (d), which is necessary to calculate the speed of light.

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