Turning Points - The Michelson-Morley Experiment - AQA A-Level

This PowerPoint presentation provides a comprehensive overview of the Michelson-Morley experiment, a pivotal scientific endeavor aimed at detecting the absolute motion of the Earth through the ether. It delves into the principles of the interferometer designed by Michelson and Morley, outlines the theoretical background of light and electromagnetism as per Maxwell’s equations, and explains the experiment’s methodology, including the setup and expected outcomes. The presentation further explores the significant implications of the experiment’s “null result,” which led to questioning the existence of ether, thereby paving the way for the development of modern physics and the theory of relativity. It’s an invaluable educational resource for students and enthusiasts of physics, offering insights into the experiment that challenged and ultimately reshaped our understanding of the universe.