Date: Tue, 8 Oct 2002 15:06:49 -0400

Author: "Edward Sabol"

Subject: Re: Cavendish problems

Post:


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How massive is the lead mass and is in on the floor?

----- Original Message -----
From: Jason St. John
Sent: Tuesday, October 08, 2002 2:27 PM
To: tap-l@listproc.appstate.edu
Subject: Cavendish problems

Hi, folks.

We have a TA trying to set up a Cavendish balance, but he reports this
problem:

Once the sytem has settled to its equilibrium position without masses
nearby, placing a Pb sphere mass has the OPPOSITE effect of expected: the
nearest arm of the balance swings AWAY, and if permitted, it will swing
almost one hundred seventy degrees around. He's certain that he is
permitting transient oscillations to die down, and he's loathe to replace
the suspension wire, but that's the only place we can think to fix the
problem.

Those of you who are experienced with these: Does this sound familiar? I=
s
dark energy to blame or is there a fix?

gratefully,
____________________________________________________
Jason St. John 617.353.2634 stjohn@bu.edu
Boston University Physics Lecture DemonstrationsGet more from the Web=
. FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com

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