The Eotvos Experiment: Discussion and Analysis

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In summary, the Eötvös experiment involves two objects of different composition connected by a rod and suspended horizontally by a fine wire. If the gravitational acceleration of the two masses is different, there will be a torque. This equation is often seen in textbooks without derivation. The derivation is not difficult, and can be done by calculating the forces on the end of the rod or by referencing the Wikipedia article. However, the experiment itself can be challenging to execute accurately, which is why textbooks may present it in an idealized form.
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thecoop
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the eotvos experiment consists of two objects of different composition connected by a rod of length l and suspended horizontally by a fine wire . if the gravitational acceleration of the two masses is different then there will be a torque , I saw this equation in the most of texts without derivation , what do you think guys ?
 
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I see equations without derivations in textbooks too sometimes.
 
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thecoop said:
the eotvos experiment consists of two objects of different composition connected by a rod of length l and suspended horizontally by a fine wire . if the gravitational acceleration of the two masses is different then there will be a torque , I saw this equation in the most of texts without derivation , what do you think guys ?

You are asking why it follows that there will be a torque? It's a pretty easy derivation, you can do it yourself just by calculating the forces on the end of the rod that would be produced if gravitational mass differed from inertial mass under various conditions. Or check out the wikipedia article.

Some experiments are conceptually very simple, yet because of the subtlety of the effect that's being studied, extraordinarily difficult to do well. Textbooks generally are trying to present the concepts and theory, so tend to present these experiments in a sort of idealized form that conceals just how had it can be to actually do the experiment well.
 

FAQ: The Eotvos Experiment: Discussion and Analysis

What is the Eotvos experiment?

The Eotvos experiment is a scientific experiment conducted by Hungarian physicist Baron Roland von Eotvos in the late 19th century. It was designed to test the equivalence principle, which states that the acceleration of an object due to gravity is independent of its mass and composition.

How was the Eotvos experiment conducted?

The experiment involved suspending two identical masses from a horizontal rod and measuring the difference in their accelerations as the rod was rotated. If the equivalence principle is true, the two masses should experience the same acceleration and therefore remain at the same distance from the center of rotation. Any deviation from this would indicate a violation of the principle.

What were the results of the Eotvos experiment?

The Eotvos experiment found that the two masses experienced the same acceleration, providing strong evidence for the equivalence principle. This result has been confirmed by numerous subsequent experiments and is a fundamental principle in modern physics.

What is the significance of the Eotvos experiment?

The Eotvos experiment was one of the first tests of the equivalence principle and provided crucial evidence for its validity. This principle is a cornerstone of Einstein's theory of general relativity and has important implications for our understanding of gravity and the structure of the universe.

How is the Eotvos experiment relevant today?

The Eotvos experiment continues to be relevant in the field of physics, as it remains one of the most precise tests of the equivalence principle. It is also used in the development of new theories and models that aim to further our understanding of gravity and its effects on the universe.

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