Cavendish Experiment

Definition

The Cavendish Experiment is a scientific experiment conducted by Henry Cavendish in 1798 that was designed to measure the force of gravitational attraction between masses and, consequently, to determine the density of the Earth. This groundbreaking experiment was crucial in understanding gravitational fields, as it provided empirical data that supported the theory of universal gravitation. It was the first experiment that accurately measured the gravitational constant, allowing for calculations of mass and density related to gravitational fields.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Cavendish Experiment was revolutionary because it was the first to provide a quantitative measure of gravitational attraction between masses.
2. Cavendish used a torsion balance to measure tiny angles of rotation caused by gravitational attraction, allowing him to determine the density of Earth with remarkable accuracy.
3. The results from the Cavendish Experiment showed that the density of Earth is approximately 5.5 times that of water, leading to a better understanding of Earth's composition.
4. This experiment laid the groundwork for future studies in gravitational physics, providing essential data for scientists like Newton and Einstein.
5. Cavendish's meticulous approach and innovative techniques made his experiment a landmark achievement in experimental physics, emphasizing the importance of empirical measurement in scientific inquiry.

Review Questions

• How did Cavendish's use of a torsion balance contribute to the accuracy of his measurements in the Cavendish Experiment?
  • Cavendish's use of a torsion balance was critical for accurately measuring the weak gravitational forces at play. The apparatus allowed for very small angular displacements to be detected due to its sensitive design, which could measure rotations caused by gravitational attraction between masses. By enabling precise observations, Cavendish could calculate gravitational force with much greater accuracy than previous methods.
• Discuss how the results of the Cavendish Experiment impacted our understanding of gravitational fields and universal gravitation.
  • The results from the Cavendish Experiment provided empirical evidence for the existence and magnitude of gravitational attraction between masses, reinforcing Isaac Newton's theory of universal gravitation. By accurately determining the gravitational constant, Cavendish's findings allowed scientists to understand how mass affects gravity and enabled calculations related to gravity in various contexts. This solidified the framework for modern gravitational physics and influenced future research into gravitational interactions.
• Evaluate how the Cavendish Experiment paved the way for advancements in physics beyond just measuring Earth's density.
  • The Cavendish Experiment was more than just an effort to measure Earth's density; it opened new avenues for exploration in both theoretical and experimental physics. By establishing a reliable method for quantifying gravitational attraction and introducing the concept of a gravitational constant, Cavendish’s work set a precedent for future scientific inquiries into gravity. This laid essential groundwork for later theories, such as Einstein's general relativity, which further expanded our understanding of how gravity works on a cosmic scale.

Related terms

Gravitational Constant: A fundamental constant used in the calculation of gravitational force between two objects, denoted by 'G' in the equation of Newton's law of universal gravitation.

Universal Gravitation: The law proposed by Isaac Newton that states every point mass attracts every other point mass in the universe with a force that is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

Torsion Balance: An apparatus invented by Cavendish for measuring weak forces, consisting of a horizontal bar suspended from a thin wire, which rotates when influenced by gravitational attraction between the masses attached to its ends.