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Interactive Simulations for Teaching Physics
Michelson Interferometer
Authors: Ms. Giselle dos Santos Castro - Federal University of Ceara - UFC
Dr. Nildo Loiola Dias - Federal University of Ceara - UFC
CONTROLS:
- Click on “Laser On/Off” and then choose the Laser color.
- Click on “View Light Trajectory” to view the light path on the interferometer.
- Press the yellow dot on the micrometer to turn it on.
- Click on the “Zero Micrometer” button to reset the micrometer reading.
- Click on the buttons located next to the micrometer to rotate forward or backward.
- Click “Place/Remove Cuvette” to place a cuvette in the light path on the interferometer arm.
- Choose one of the gas from the four options.
- Click on “Magnify Clock” to enlarge the vacuum pump display.
- Click on “Press” to activate the vacuum pump.
- Click “Release” to restore atmospheric pressure in the gas cuvette.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SIMULATION:
This simulation allows the study of the Michelson interferometer used in physics teaching laboratories. With the simulation it is possible to determine the wavelength of light from a Laser (from three options: red, green and blue), as well as the determination of the refractive index of a gas from four options: air, chlorine, carbon dioxide and hydrogen. A button allows you to view the light trajectory in the interferometer.
For an analysis of the data, consult one of the proposed ACTIVITY GUIDE.
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