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Interactive Simulations for Teaching Physics
Michelson Interferometer
for Microwave
Authors: Ms. Giselle dos Santos Castro - Federal University of Ceara - UFC
Dr. Nildo Loiola Dias - Federal University of Ceara - UFC
CONTROLS:
- Choose from 5 options the wavelength of the microwave to be studied.
- Click Detector On/Off to turn on and view meter.
- The Reflector 1 slider allows you to move the left reflector horizontally. Two buttons allow a fine control of position.
- The Reflector 2 slider allows you to move the top reflector vertically. Two buttons allow a fine control of position.
- Click on SHOW RULER to get a ruler that can be moved to the desired position. When the ruler is shown, a MAGNIFY button appears on the screen to enlarge the ruler and the simulation elements. Around the MAGNIFY button there are four buttons for moving the scenario that makes up the simulation.
- Choose one of the three materials and block thickness to place a block of the chosen material in the horizontal path of the microwave beam.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SIMULATION:
This simulation allows the study of the Michelson interferometer in a microwave experimental setup. With the simulation it is possible to move two microwave reflectors and observe the positions for which the intensity in the detector reaches maximum or minimum values; with this it is possible to determine the wavelength of the microwave radiation under study (out of five options). It is also possible to place blocks of known thickness in the microwave beam's horizontal path and determine the microwave refraction index of the chosen material (out of three options).
For an analysis of the data, consult one of the proposed ACTIVITY GUIDE.
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