Interferômetro de Michelson-Morley com arduino: uma proposta para o ensino de ótica

Abstract

Experimentation in physics education stands out as an effective methodology, as it illustrates physical phenomena and brings students closer to scientific practice. This work is centered on the development of an educational product aimed at physics teachers and undergraduate students, focusing on the creation of teaching tools for Optics instruction. The first component involves the redesign of a Michelson-Morley interferometer for electronic automation—an instrument traditionally used to measure the wavelength of monochromatic light. By employing the Arduino prototyping platform and a stepper motor, the project aims to achieve high-precision fine adjustments, while utilizing cost-effective materials suitable for educational laboratory interferometers. The second component of the product consists of a didactic sequence with an interdisciplinary approach. By addressing the theoretical, experimental, and historical dimensions of the automated interferometer, the pedagogical value of this experiment in the contexts of Optics and Modern Physics becomes evident. The results obtained from the automated interferometer demonstrate measurement accuracy within a range close to theoretical values. The integration of this automated apparatus with the accompanying teaching sequence supports a meaningful teaching-learning process, linking the specific content of interferometry with the comprehensive education of students.