The Michelson-Morley experiment was designed to measure
A) the relativistic mass of the electron.
B) the velocity of the Earth relative to the ether.
C) the relativistic energy of the electron.
D) the acceleration of gravity on the Earth's surface.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Michelson-Morley experiment was designed to measure the velocity of the Earth through the hypothetical ether, a medium once thought necessary for the propagation of light. The experiment's null result was crucial in the development of the theory of special relativity, as it showed that the speed of light is constant in all inertial frames and led to the conclusion that the ether does not exist.

The Michelson-Morley Experiment Was Designed to Measure