The purpose of the Michelson-Morley experiment was to
A) determine the velocity of light.
B) detect possible motion of the Earth relative to the sun.
C) detect possible motion of the sun relative to the ether.
D) detect possible motion of the Earth relative to the ether.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Michelson-Morley experiment was designed to detect the possible motion of the Earth relative to the ether. At the time, it was believed that light waves traveled through an "ether" which filled all of space. The experiment aimed to detect the motion of the Earth through this supposed ether by measuring the speed of light in different directions. However, the experiment failed to detect any ether wind and led to the formulation of Einstein's theory of relativity.

The Purpose of the Michelson-Morley Experiment Was to