Chapter 7, Problem 31A

To determine

To Explain: The way Cavendish demonstrated that a gravitational force exists between two small objects.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Cavendish demonstrated the that gravitational force exists by using dense lead balls in his experiment.

Cavendish measured the masses and the distance between the masseswith precision. He then measured the force of attraction using his setup. He calculated G which is the Gravitational constant using Newton’s law of gravity. Cavendish hanged the lead balls from a wire and measured the torque on the wire applied by the attractive force by the other lead ball. He then equated it to the gravitational force between the balls.