Fizeau’s method for measuring the speed of light using a rotating toothed wheel.

Question

Fizeau’s method for measuring the speed
of light using a rotating toothed wheel.
The speed of rotation of the wheel con-
trols what an observer sees. For example,
if the light passing the opening at point A
should return at the instant that tooth B
had rotated into position to cover the re-
turn path, the light would not reach the
observer. At a faster rate of rotation, the
opening at point C could move into posi-
tion to allow the reflected beam to reach
the observer.
Calculate the minimum angular speed of
the wheel for light that passed through open-
ing A to return through opening C to reach
the observer.
Answer in units of rad/s Fizeau’s method for measuring the speed
of light using a rotating toothed wheel.
The speed of rotation of the wheel con-
trols what an observer sees. For example,
if the light passing the opening at point A
should return at the instant that tooth B
had rotated into position to cover the re-
turn path, the light would not reach the
observer. At a faster rate of rotation, the
opening at point C could move into posi-
tion to allow the reflected beam to reach
the observer.
Calculate the minimum angular speed of
the wheel for light that passed through open-
ing A to return through opening C to reach
the observer.
Answer in units of rad/s

Explanation / Answer

? = ?t = ?(2/c) ? = c?/2 = (2.929E8)(2p/654) / (2)(11.02 E3) = 127.7 rad/s

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