Interactive simulation of Michelson interferometer using GeoGebra

In this work we present a simulation of the Michelson interferometer that was originally conceived by A. A. Michelson to determine the speed of the earth in relation to the aether. The simulation was created using the GeoGebra software to be used as a remote activity to replace the experimental classes during the social isolation imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The simulation developed allows the determination of the wavelength of light for three different colors as well as the determination of the refractive indices of four gases. Similar to the real experiment carried out with equipment aimed at physics teaching laboratories, the simulated Michelson interferometer presents results with measurement errors of the same nature as those presented in the classroom practices performed in the laboratory. The practice reports produced by the students who used the simulation lead us to believe that the simulation represents a good alternative to the real experiment when it cannot be carried out.

Keywords
GeoGebra; Michelson interferometer; simulation