What Are the Latest Precision Tests of the Inverse Square Law for Gravity?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the latest precision tests of the inverse square law for gravity, focusing on the accuracy of measurements at very small length scales, specifically in the micrometer range. Participants are exploring the nuances of precision in gravitational testing and seeking references to recent studies that may have tested gravity to finer precision than previously reported.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that earlier tests of the inverse square law for gravity were conducted down to 218 micrometers and questions whether more recent tests have achieved greater precision, possibly around 100 micrometers.
  • Another participant clarifies the distinction between the precision of a test and the length scale at which gravity is measured, suggesting that more precise tests can occur at longer distances.
  • There is mention of Eric Adelberger's work as a potential source for recent tests, with one participant expressing uncertainty about the smallest length scale measured in his publications.
  • A participant later claims to have found information indicating that gravity has been tested down to 56 micrometers, asserting that the inverse square law still holds at this scale.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the precision of gravitational tests and the specific measurements achieved. There is no consensus on the most recent findings or the smallest length scales studied, indicating ongoing uncertainty and exploration in the topic.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the lack of specific references to recent papers that detail the precision tests and the varying interpretations of what constitutes precision in this context.

karnten07
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Hi guys,

I know that in a 2001 paper there were tests of the inverse square law for gravity down to 218\mu metres. But i have seen in other papers (more recent ones) that they claim it has been tested to a greater precision, somewhere around 100\mu metres i think. But these papers only make reference to this accuracy but give no actual references and don't know how i could find a paper which describes this precise test.

Does anyone know of any papers that have tested gravity to a finer precision? Is much appreciated.

Karnten07
 
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First, you're confusing two different things. The precision of a test is how small a deviation you could see: for example, a test that could spot a 1% variation is twice as precise as one that could spot a 2% variation. The length scale at which gravity is what is measured in microns. But you can have a more precise test at a longer distance, for example.

Second, I don't know what the measurement at the smallest length scale is, but I expect if you look for Eric Adelberger's publications (he's at the University of Washington), it would be a good start.
 


Vanadium 50 said:
First, you're confusing two different things. The precision of a test is how small a deviation you could see: for example, a test that could spot a 1% variation is twice as precise as one that could spot a 2% variation. The length scale at which gravity is what is measured in microns. But you can have a more precise test at a longer distance, for example.

Second, I don't know what the measurement at the smallest length scale is, but I expect if you look for Eric Adelberger's publications (he's at the University of Washington), it would be a good start.

Ah yes, you're right, sorry for the confusion. I was looking for the tests of gravity at the smallest length scale. Eric's paper is the one that i have and it is dated 2001, so i wasn't sure if these were the smallest length scales studied to date.

Ah, i found something, Eric is going to review recent tests on the inverse square law of gravitation down to 85\mu metres, now i just need to find the paper he's talking about! anyone? Thanks for your help Vanadium

Karnten07
 


karnten07 said:
Ah yes, you're right, sorry for the confusion. I was looking for the tests of gravity at the smallest length scale. Eric's paper is the one that i have and it is dated 2001, so i wasn't sure if these were the smallest length scales studied to date.

Ah, i found something, Eric is going to review recent tests on the inverse square law of gravitation down to 85\mu metres, now i just need to find the paper he's talking about! anyone? Thanks for your help Vanadium

Karnten07

Its okay i found it, gravitation has been tested down to 56\mu metres and te inverse square law still holds.
 

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