How Can We Determine Earth's Mass Using a Pendulum?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bissli
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Earth Mass
AI Thread Summary
To determine Earth's mass using a pendulum, one can utilize the gravitational acceleration (g) measured in the lab, alongside the gravitational constant (G) and the mean radius of the Earth. The discussion highlights that while direct measurement of G may be challenging in a high school setting, it is permissible to use known constants. A Foucault pendulum is suggested as a potential tool for demonstrating gravitational effects. Additionally, the ancient Greek method of measuring shadows can help estimate Earth's radius, making the experiment feasible with basic equipment. Understanding the relationship between pendulum oscillation and gravitational acceleration is key to the experiment.
Bissli
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
My class was given an assignment to design an experiment where we could determine the mass of the Earth, using the equipment found in our lab. (basic high school stuff) I know we use gravitation pull in some way, towards the sun (?) but all the research I've done and explanations I've found, I'm having a hard time understanding. Any help would be great, thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
are you allowed to use the gravitational constant G?
 
Not only G,he should use the mean Earth radius as well...I think this is more a theoretical problem.After all,in the lab u could come up only with "g"...Maybe a Foucault pendulum would be useful as well... :wink:

Daniel.
 
He can find Earth's radius using the ancient greek method... measuring the shadow of two sticks far away... cell phone and auto mobile make this experiment doable... but i don't think it is possible to find G in a high school lab...
 
i think we are allowed to use the constant, at least i am, and could someone please explain how a pendelum would help?
 
A pendulum's oscillation depends on the gravitational acceleration.
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Determine the mass of the planet using Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation
Replies
2
Views
3K
Orbital Period of the Earth where the Sun's Mass Changes
Replies
6
Views
2K
What is the largest mass the sun can have without destroying the Earth?
Replies
4
Views
4K
Can we find the frequency of a rod pendulum by just using F=ma?
Replies
7
Views
2K
How fast does the Earth need to move to provide centripital acceleration
Replies
43
Views
8K
Universal gravitation 3- determine the mass of the Earth
Replies
1
Views
3K
How can we determine the thrust generated?
Replies
3
Views
1K
Experimentally Determine the Mass
Replies
3
Views
3K
Determining experimental mass from graph
Replies
11
Views
4K
How Can You Calculate Saturn's Mass Using a Telescope and Stopwatch?
Replies
9
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top