Question

If we are looking at the Michelson Morely experiment and assuming that the ether theory is correct, I understand how to calculate the phase difference that the two beams of light will get. I am wondering what will happen according to special relativity? Will the waves still get out of phase? How can I calculate that?

Answer 1

In ether experiment ether was the absolute referrence frame of motion.any object moving relative to the light see changes in the speed of light according to its movement and direction.but in case of special relativity speed of light is constant in any frame of refference.in michelson morely experiment phase difference occured because the there is path difference in the way of light relative to earth.as incident beam takes different time compared to reflected wave beacause of earths motion.but in case of special relativity there is no time difference between these two waves.earth motion does not affect the speed of light.as there is no time difference there will be no phase difference.so according to special theory of relativity waves will not go out of phase.