Certainly! The method you're referring to is known as the "two-mirror experiment" or the "speed of light round-trip measurement." This technique involves using a beam of light that bounces back and forth between two mirrors and measuring the time it takes for the light to complete a round trip. Here's a step-by-step explanation of the process:
Set up the experiment: Place two mirrors facing each other at a fixed distance apart. The distance between the mirrors should be accurately measured and controlled.
Emit a light pulse: Generate a short pulse of light, typically using a laser, and direct it towards one of the mirrors. The light pulse will travel from the source towards the first mirror.
Measure the time: Start a timer as soon as the light pulse is emitted. As the light pulse reaches the first mirror, it reflects off the mirror and travels back towards the source.
Reflection and measurement: As the light pulse returns to the source, it will hit the second mirror and reflect back towards the first mirror. This process of bouncing back and forth between the mirrors continues.
Stop the timer: As soon as the returning light pulse is detected by a sensor or reaches the source, stop the timer. This marks the completion of one round trip.
Calculate the speed of light: The total time measured in the timer represents the time taken for light to travel twice the distance between the mirrors. To determine the speed of light, divide this total time by 2 times the distance between the mirrors.
Speed of light = (2 × distance between mirrors) / total time
Repeat and average: To obtain more accurate results, repeat the experiment multiple times and calculate the average of the measured speeds. This helps reduce measurement errors and uncertainties.
It's worth noting that this experiment assumes the mirrors are perfectly reflective and that the light path is a vacuum. In practice, there may be slight losses due to imperfections in the mirrors and other factors that need to be considered for precise measurements. However, this method provides a reliable way to determine the speed of light within a laboratory setting.