When a Michelson interferometer is immersed in water, the speed of light in the medium changes, affecting the interference pattern. The refractive index of water is greater than that of air, leading to a decrease in the wavelength of light as it travels through the water. This change can cause a shift in the interference fringes, which can be observed as a change in spacing or contrast. Additionally, the overall optical path length is altered, potentially impacting the interference conditions.
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