The Mechanical universe-- and beyond
Subtitle: Part II : Beyond the mechanical universe, programs 39-42
By: California Institute of Technology and the Southern California Consortium ; producer and director, Peter Buffa
Contributors: California Institute of Technology; Southern California Consortium for Community College Television; Annenberg/CPB
Publisher: Annenberg/CPB
Published: 2003
Place of publication: S. Burlington, VT
Language: eng
Format: [videorecording] /
Number of pages: 120
Subjects: Electromagnetic theory; Wave theory of light; Light; Speed; Measurement; Rotation
Other titles: Mechanical universe (Television program); Beyond the mechanical universe.; Maxwell's equations.; Optics.; Michelson-Morley experiment.; Lorentz transformation.
Description: Program 39 discusses James Clerk Maxwell's discovery of displacement current and how this discovery was used to produce electromagnetic waves called light. Program 40 discusses the properties of waves, including reflection, refraction, and diffraction. Explains that the properties of light are really just properties of waves. Program 41 deals with the Michelson-Morley experiment of 1887 which was designed to measure the motion of the earth through the ether. Explains why this experiment is considered the most brilliant failure in scientific history. Program 42 examines the hypothesis that if the speed of light is the same for all inertial observers, as indicated by the Michelson-Morley experiment, then measurements will depend upon who does the measuring. Uses computer animation sequences, historical reenactments, and close-up photography of experiments.
Notes: An Annenberg/CPB project.

Pt. of a two-semester television course.

Videodisc release of the original television program: The mechanical universe.

Animated graphics, Jim Blinn ; story editor, Jack Arnold ; consultants, Dave A. Campbell, Judith Goodstein.

Host, David Goodstein.

College students and adults.

DVD.
Table of contents: title: Maxwell's equations (30 min.); title: Optics (30 min.); title: The Michelson-Morley experiment (30 min.); title: The Lorentz transformation (30 min.)