Dear XXXXX,
would it be possible to make a decision to check the cause of rotation of torsion balance in the Cavendish experiment?
The Cavendish experiment must not be considered as an evidence for gravitational force as the cause of rotation of torsion balance has nothing to do with gravitation and that is why all relevant textbooks must be accordingly corrected. The time expenses without additional costs should be not more than one hour.
The universal gravitation and Cavendish experiment
It is well known that the Newton’s law of gravitation was derived from the Kepler’s law and is valid for the planets of the Solar system. Wherever the planets are involved it is possible to make the correct calculations using the formula of the universal gravitation.
The Cavendish experiment can be used to prove that there is no gravitation between objects on Earth and consequently a falling object does not attract the Earth. In contrast to usual experiment two masses must be differently placed and then removed. The time expenses needed should be not more than one hour. The experiment is so simple that it can be easily carried out by students.
The cause of rotation of torsion balance in Cavendish experiment.
The fact is that in Cavendish-Experiment the combination of four masses is used and the cause of rotation of torsion balance was not investigated. It is not difficult to verify that the real cause of the rotation of torsion balance in Cavendish experiment is not gravitational force between masses, but an interaction of two pairs of masses.
If to place on one line the small equal masses (m) of torsion balance symmetrically between the suspended big equal masses (M), then the rotation of torsion balance will take place anticlockwise from right to left viewing from top. The rotation will depend on symmetry, masses, positions and distances between masses. Other combinations where masses are placed on one line can cause rotation also.
There will be no rotation if only one suspended big mass of any weight is used. The insertion of the second big mass will cause rotation again.
The procedure is simple:
1. Place two big equal masses in proper positions and let oscillating stop.
2. Remove one big mass and let oscillating stop.
3. Remove second big mass and let oscillating stop.
If Cavendish would have removed one suspended mass (together with the rod) from the experiment there would be no rotation. The insertion of the second mass would cause rotation again.
The symmetry and equal (identical) masses are crucial for the rotation of torsion balance. Even the standard torsion balance with the swivel support can be used to prove this tendency. In such a case the symmetric swivel support must be set perpendicular to the bob arm of torsion balance and stay without masses during an experiment. If instead of hanging the masses other equal supports are used, then the support and mass must be set up together symmetrically on both sides of torsion balance. To achieve the best results the swivel support must be removed and two suspended masses be used, as it was made by Cavendish.
The calculations can be correct but their interpretations wrong. Even though the Cavendish experiment allows make calculations of so called gravitational constant, it disproves an existence of gravitation between any two masses. However it proves that certain combinations of masses can cause the motion of masses. Such combinations of objects where two identical objects define the behavior of a symmetrical system of objects are also not difficult to find in the phenomena of electricity and magnetism.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions
Best regards
Konstantin Levankov, M.Sc.
Tel. +43 67761655605
