Determining the Gravitational Constant with the Gravitation Torsion Balance after Cavendish Measuring the Excursion with a Light Pointer

The Gravitation Torsion Balance Apparatus is designed to study the gravitational interaction between masses using a sensitive torsion balance. The experiment demonstrates the measurement of extremely small gravitational forces by observing the deflection of a laser beam reflected from the torsion balance onto a graduated scale. The displacement of the laser spot is measured over time, enabling detailed analysis of torsional motion and gravitational effects. Manufactured by Atico Export India.

Principle

The experiment is based on the torsion balance method for measuring gravitational forces between masses. A laser beam is reflected from the concave mirror attached to the torsion balance onto a measurement scale. As gravitational attraction causes the balance to rotate, the reflected laser spot moves across the scale. The position of the laser spot is recorded as a function of time, allowing the angular displacement and torsional behavior of the system to be analyzed.

Objectives

• Study the gravitational interaction between masses.
• Observe the torsional motion of a torsion balance.
• Measure the angular displacement using a reflected laser beam.
• Analyze the displacement of the laser spot as a function of time.
• Understand the principles of gravitational force measurement.

System Components

Gravitation Torsion Balance :

• Quantity: 1

Diode Laser :

• Wavelength: 635 nm
• Output Power: 1 mW
• Quantity: 1

Table Stop Clock :

• Quantity: 1

Steel Tape Measure :

• Length: 2 m
• Quantity: 1

V-Shaped Stand Base :

• Small
• Quantity: 1

Rotatable Clamp :

• Quantity: 1

Multi Clamp :

• Quantity: 1

Stand Rod :

• Length: 47 cm
• Diameter: 12 mm
• Quantity: 1

High-Sensitivity Torsion Balance :

• Designed for measuring extremely small gravitational forces.

Laser Measurement System :

• Uses a laser beam for accurate displacement measurement.

Manual Scale Observation :

• Laser spot position is measured manually on a graduated scale.

Stable Mounting Arrangement :

• Provides reliable alignment and accurate experimental measurements.