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Name: Stewart
Status: student
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Question:
hi, i was just wondering if someone could possibly explain the theory behind the experiment in which an oscillating spring is used to determine the acceleration due to gravity? and even more so, if anyone could explain why a bifilar suspension can be used for the same purpose? I have read in textbooks how do carry out the experiments but they have been unclear as to the theory behind them.


Replies:
The theory is that, in both cases the speed at which the masses vibrate depends directly upon the force placed on them - in most cases gravity. If you look at the equations, each has a factor "g" in the vertical form. This g is the acceleration of gravity.

Try this though experiment: what would each of these processes look like if done on the Space Shuttle where the effective gravity is zero (because the bodies are in perpetual free fall)? Would a pendulum work, either?

Robert Avakian


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