Procedure and Task

• Bring the large masses as close as possible to the small masses without touching the frame
• Measure the amplitude of the oscillation as a function of time for at least 20 minutes
• Reverse the position of the large masses and repeat the measurement
• For control purposes repeat twice reversing the position of the large masses and measuring the amplitude of the oscillation
• Use software (for example Origin) to determine the equilibrium position of the torsion balance, the period and the damping time of the oscillation
• Calculate the torsion constant k, the moment of inertia I, the change of angular equilibrium positions b₂-b₁, the force between the large and the small sphere and the gravitational constant.