Who won the Nobel Prize in 1907 for discovering the speed of light?

Prepare for the LMHS NJROTC Academic Team Test. Study using comprehensive flashcards and multiple choice questions, each accompanied by detailed explanations and valuable hints to ensure your success. Get ready for your exam now!

The correct answer is Albert Michelson, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1907. Michelson is renowned for his precise measurements of the speed of light, which significantly improved the understanding of this fundamental constant. His work involved the use of various experimental methods, particularly his development of the interferometer, a device that allowed for incredibly accurate measurements of the light's speed. This groundbreaking achievement laid the groundwork for future research in both physics and optics, confirming that the speed of light is indeed constant and a crucial aspect of the framework of modern physics.

The contributions of other scientists in the choices provided, while significant in their own rights, do not relate specifically to the discovery of the speed of light in 1907. Albert Einstein is known for his theory of relativity, which included the concept of light's speed but did not focus on measuring it. Isaac Newton made foundational contributions to physics and optics but predates the Nobel Prize and did not measure the speed of light quantitatively. James Clerk Maxwell was instrumental in the formulation of electromagnetic theory but also did not directly measure the speed of light as Michelson did.

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