The Michelson-Morley Experiment: The Key Formula is Untenable

摘要

The Michelson-Morley experiment is considered decisive for judging whether or not 'ether wind' exists. Although the experiment has been repeated many times, it seems that the calculating method used has not been studied carefully. This paper argues that the original algorithm in the experiment was wrong: some 'absolute value' designations were omitted. Michelson's fringe shift cannot be calculated by the formula m = (ct - ct') /, and m = (| ct | - | ct' |) / should be used instead. In Michelson's experiment, even if 'ether wind' does exist, with the correct algorithm, m = 0. In the Michelson-Morley experiment, the interference fringes do not move, and of course the movement of the interference fringes cannot be observed. So here is the conclusion: Michelson's experiment does not prove the nonexistence of 'ether wind'.