⏰ when

When was gravity first measured in a laboratory with a torsion balance?

Quick Answer

In 1798, Henry Cavendish used a torsion balance to measure the gravitational attraction between masses. His experiment is often described as ‘weighing the Earth.’

The Full Story

Henry Cavendish performed his famous torsion-balance experiment in 1798. By measuring the tiny attraction between lead spheres, he estimated the strength of gravity in the laboratory and allowed the mass of Earth to be calculated. The experiment is often summarized as having ‘weighed the Earth.’ It was a landmark in precision physics and gravitational measurement.

Key Facts

1.Experiment performed in 1798
2.Henry Cavendish used a torsion balance
3.It helped determine Earth’s mass

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Suggested video title for this topic:

"A delicate balance of weights helped measure the force of gravity itself."

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