Cavendish Experiment: Significance of Balls

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SUMMARY

The Cavendish experiment demonstrates the gravitational attraction between masses, utilizing a pair of large and small lead balls to measure this force. The presence of larger balls increases the gravitational force, resulting in greater deflection of the wire, which enhances measurement precision. The smaller balls are used due to their lower inertia, allowing for more sensitive readings on the precision torsion balance, which cannot support excessive weight. This combination of ball sizes is crucial for accurate gravitational measurements.

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I read an article about the Cavendish experiment in Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cavendish_experiment

and I feel I understood all relevant aspects.

However, what is the significance of having a pair of big and small balls?

Having 4 big balls would create more force (F) thus creating more deflection in the wire and making the experiment more precise by having a bigger angle to measure.

Am I mistaken?

Is one pair of balls small because they have less inertia to start moving?
 
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I believe the reason the small balls are small is because they are connected to a precision torsion balance and it's tough to make such a thing that will support support a few hundred pounds of lead. Simple as that.
 

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