Gravitational Balance

Simple, But Amazingly Sensitive - Measure One of the Universe's Fundamental Constants!

This innovative apparatus, developed from the traditional Cavendish pattern, is substantially less expensive than earlier models, making the measurement of the tiny but highly significant Gravitational Constant more accessible to students. It is precisely constructed and allows measurements of G to be made to better than 15% relative error using either initial acceleration method or the equilibrium displacement method derives G from the change in the equilibrium position of the balance at rest due to the change in position of the large masses. The builit-in oil damping system greatly reduces the time needed for equilibrium form the 2 hours needed by an undamped system.