Cavendish Experiment: Conclusion (Home Experiment Main Apparatus Results Conclusions )

Our final calculation of the value of the Universal Gravitational Constant is 5.1469 E-11 +/- 6.9224 E-12 which is within 4 sigma of the known value of 6.6726 E-11. Given the very small size of this value, we are in a very acceptable range.

We spent a lot of time fishing out possible errors in our procedure and calculations so I believe that the majority of the errors can be attributed to the equipment and techniques employed. It is possible that the data acquisition was not as accurate as we would have liked in either time or voltage values. The linearity of the sensor and the equipment measuring the sensor can also be called into question. Then there is the question as to the precision of the torsion "dumbbell" equipment itself, where the reflections from the case and mirrors as well as the movement may not have been optimal. Also, let us not forget the human factor; measuring the masses and distances by eye with a small scale, calls for some estimation.

All in all, this was a good experiment with many aspects to consider. Our results are not perfect, except as to be perfectly acceptable given all aspects of the experiment.

Updated 5/10/2002