Experimentally measure gravitational force

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the experimental measurement of the gravitational force between two objects, exploring methods similar to detecting magnetic fields. It includes historical references and contemporary experimental setups.

Discussion Character

  • Experimental/applied, Historical

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the feasibility of measuring weak gravitational forces in a manner akin to detecting magnetic fields with a compass.
  • Another participant references the Cavendish experiment as a historical example of measuring gravitational force.
  • Further contributions suggest searching for undergraduate laboratory versions and apparatus related to the Cavendish experiment, indicating the availability of educational resources.
  • A participant mentions the Forward Mass Detector as an additional resource for understanding gravitational measurement techniques.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not present a consensus on the methods or feasibility of measuring gravitational forces, with various historical and contemporary approaches being suggested without resolution of their effectiveness.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference different experimental setups and historical experiments, but there is no detailed discussion on the limitations or assumptions of these methods.

Taseng Mancheykhun
Can we experimentally measure the very weak gravitational force between two objects just like we can detect magnetic field lines by a deflecting compass.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Google searches for "cavendish experiment" and "cavendish apparatus" should find:

1. undergraduate laboratory versions of the Cavendish experiment
2. apparatus sold by scientific laboratory equipment companies (e.g. Pasco Scientific) for such undergraduate experiments
3. "homemade" versions of the Cavendish experiment (YouTube videos etc.)
 

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