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R. E. Pixley

Publications and source records attributed to R. E. Pixley.

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Reflections on a Measurement of the Gravitational Constant Using a Beam Balance and 13 Tons of Mercury

In 2006, a final result of a measurement of the gravitational constant $G$ performed by researchers at the University of Zürich was published. A value of $G=6.674\,252(122)\times 10^{-11}\,\mbox{m}^3\,\mbox{kg}^{-1}\,\mbox{s}^{-2}$ was obtained after an experimental effort that lasted over one decade. Here, we briefly summarize the measurement and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of this approach.

physics.ins-det

A Measurement of Newton's Gravitational Constant

A precision measurement of the gravitational constant $G$ has been made using a beam balance. Special attention has been given to determining the calibration, the effect of a possible nonlinearity of the balance and the zero-point variation of the balance. The equipment, the measurements and the analysis are described in detail. The value obtained for G is 6.674252(109)(54) 10^{-11} m3 kg-1 s-2. The relative statistical and systematic uncertainties of this result are 16.3 10^{-6} and 8.1 10^{-6}, respectively.

gr-qc