Allegedly "debunking" the Cavendish Experiment

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In summary, the article discusses claims that challenge the validity of the Cavendish Experiment, which measured the gravitational attraction between masses. Critics argue that certain interpretations of the experiment's results are flawed or misrepresented, suggesting that the conclusions drawn about gravitational constants may be misleading. The piece examines various perspectives on the experiment's methodology, accuracy, and implications for our understanding of gravity, ultimately questioning the reliability of some modern critiques.
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Someone showed me this and I wanted to know everything that's wrong about it.
A flatearther sent this to me a few months ago. Dude actually thought this... "project" would convince me. I don't subscribe to conspiracy theories at all, but my knowledge of science is very, very modest, so I can't personally scrutinize it properly. Would anyone be kind enough to help?

EDIT: Forgot the link, lol:
(link removed by mentor: non-accredited journal)
 
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It's a waste of time analysing such things as they are generally nonsense.
 
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Welcome to PF.

The Cavendish experiment has NOT been debunked, and can be repeated today.

That is a list of possible distractions that, then and now, play no part in the experiment. The list was constructed by a non-scientist, acting as devil's advocate, with the aim of muddying the water of science, with pseudo-science.
 
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Any work that seriously compares two values with different dimensions (Newton's ##G## and whatever nonsense Spear's ##Ge## is supposed to be) and declares them "very close" can safely be dismissed as the work of a clueless poser. Is 1m "very close to" 1kg? Is 1km "very close to" 1kg? What does it even mean to compare a distance to a weight? If it didn't occur to anybody involved in the publication of that paper to ask the equivalent question about ##G## and ##Ge##, nobody involved has even the most basic grasp of physics.
 
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Don't waste your time arguing with a flatearth person. They will simply not trust your evidence and conclude its all a conspiracy theory to hide the flatness of the Earth.

Closing thread, thanks to everyone who contributed here.
 
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FAQ: Allegedly "debunking" the Cavendish Experiment

What is the Cavendish Experiment?

The Cavendish Experiment, conducted by Henry Cavendish in 1797-1798, was designed to measure the force of gravitational attraction between masses. It used a torsion balance to measure the tiny force between lead spheres, allowing Cavendish to calculate the gravitational constant (G) and, indirectly, the mass of the Earth.

Why do some people claim the Cavendish Experiment has been debunked?

Some people claim the Cavendish Experiment has been debunked due to misunderstandings or misinterpretations of the experimental setup, results, or due to ideological beliefs that reject mainstream scientific consensus. These claims often stem from a lack of understanding of the principles of physics and the robustness of the experimental methodology.

What are the common arguments against the validity of the Cavendish Experiment?

Common arguments against the validity of the Cavendish Experiment include assertions that the forces measured are too small to be detected accurately, claims that environmental factors such as air currents or electromagnetic forces could skew results, and the belief that the experiment cannot be replicated reliably. However, these arguments are generally refuted by the extensive replication and validation of the experiment by numerous scientists over the years.

Has the Cavendish Experiment been successfully replicated?

Yes, the Cavendish Experiment has been successfully replicated many times since its original execution. Modern versions of the experiment use more precise equipment and techniques, consistently confirming the original findings and the value of the gravitational constant (G). These replications demonstrate the reliability and accuracy of Cavendish's methodology and results.

What is the scientific consensus on the Cavendish Experiment?

The scientific consensus is that the Cavendish Experiment is a fundamental and reliable demonstration of gravitational attraction between masses. It is considered one of the cornerstone experiments in physics, providing crucial empirical evidence for Newton's law of universal gravitation. The experiment's results have been repeatedly validated and remain a key part of our understanding of gravitational forces.

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