Albert Michelson
Albert Abraham Michelson was born on December
19,1852, to a German Jewish couple in Strelno (now Strzelno),
Prussia (presently in Poland). in 1848, the Liberals in Germany advocated
equality in taxes and freedom of speech. But by the time of Albert's
birth it was almost clear to them that the changing political scenario would
make it difficult for them to live in Germany. And they started leaving the
country to safer places. Some of them came to America and among them were the
Michelson's who reached New York in 1854. Albert was just two years old
then.
After a while, they sailed to the western shore and reached
California. By 1849, California had acquired the reputation of the promised
land of gold. Albert's father, Samuel Michelson owned a small dry-fruit shop in
Cleaver's county. Albert received primary education in the local school. For
high school, he was sent to San Francisco. He was a bright student. Besides
mathematics and science, he was well-versed in handling mechanical
devices. For his adroitness, he was given charge of the scientific equipment in
the school laboratory. He was paid $3 per month for his work.
In 1868, when Albert turned 16,his family moved to Virginia in Nevada
State. Here silver mining was a major activity at that time. A year after they
came here, his brother Charles was born, followed by the birth of his as the
publicity director of the Democratic party during American President
Franklin D Roosevelt's regime.
Albert graduated from the Navel Academy in 1873. As per Academy
rules. he served in the American Navy as 'assignee' for two years. On
completion of duty, he was called back at the academy and
appointed as teacher of physics and chemistry. During this time he developed an
interest in the study of light especially the various techniques to measure the
speed of light, which sustained throughout his life.
Using Foucault's method of revolving mirrors. Michelson developed his
unique technique to measure the speed of light. With some lens available in his
laboratory besides spending $10, he developed this technique. He could
accurately measure the speed of light in the vicinity of 500 feet.In 1878, his
first research paper was published in the American Journal of Science. It was
titled 'Measuring the Velocity of Light'. Using this new technique, the speed
of light was found to be 1,86,508 miles/second.
Thereafter, he concentrated on the colors seen in a soap bubble. He
studied the refraction in the surface area of the bubble. He explained that if
layer of soap film has half the wavelength of light, the two waves do not
interfere and hence, do not get destroyed. Sir Isaac Newton too had studied the
colors in bubble. But he did not believe in the arguments regarding
the wavelength of light, so could not put forth any explanation for it.
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