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Figure 5 shows the arrangement used by Fizeau to determine the speed of light - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 3 - 2022 - Paper 7

Question 3

Figure 5 shows the arrangement used by Fizeau to determine the speed of light. The toothed wheel W is rotated and the reflected light from a distant mirror M is obs... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 5 shows the arrangement used by Fizeau to determine the speed of light - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 3 - 2022 - Paper 7

Step 1

0.3.1 State what $f_0$ represents in the equation.

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Answer

$f_0$ represents the frequency of rotation of the toothed wheel W when no reflected light is seen. It is the lowest frequency at which the light beam can be observed.

Step 2

0.3.2 The experiment is attempted using a rotating wheel with 720 teeth that can be rotated at up to 620 revolutions per minute. The distance between W and M is 8.5 km. Deduce whether the speed of light can be determined with this particular arrangement.

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Answer

To determine if the speed of light can be measured, we first calculate the maximum measurable speed using the formula:

$2 = S \times 10^8 \text{ m s}^{-1}$

By calculating the value of d (where d = 8.5 km = 8500 m) and substituting:

Calculate the time for light to travel to the mirror and back:
- Time taken $t = \frac{2d}{c} = \frac{2 \times 8500}{3 \times 10^8}$
- Maximum teeth rotation at 620 rev/min gives:
- $f = \frac{720 \times 620}{60}$
- This value of frequency will be compared with the calculated speed.
Conclusion: The largest possible speed measured is less than the speed of light if the calculated maximum does not exceed $c$ .

Step 3

0.3.3 State how $\epsilon_0$ and $\mu_0$ are related to the types of field in the wave.

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Answer

$\epsilon_0$ is related to the electric field strength in free space, which is charged. $\mu_0$ relates to the magnetic field strength in a vacuum. In other words, $\epsilon_0$ is linked to the ability to carry electric fields, while $\mu_0$ is associated with the magnetic field under dynamic conditions.

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Figure 5 shows the arrangement used by Fizeau to determine the speed of light - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 3 - 2022 - Paper 7

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 5 shows the arrangement used by Fizeau to determine the speed of light - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 3 - 2022 - Paper 7

0.3.1 State what $f_0$ represents in the equation.

0.3.2 The experiment is attempted using a rotating wheel with 720 teeth that can be rotated at up to 620 revolutions per minute. The distance between W and M is 8.5 km. Deduce whether the speed of light can be determined with this particular arrangement.

0.3.3 State how $\epsilon_0$ and $\mu_0$ are related to the types of field in the wave.

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