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

TL;DR

This paper reviews a decade-long experiment measuring the gravitational constant G using a beam balance and a large mercury mass, highlighting its methodology, strengths, and weaknesses.

Contribution

It provides a reflection on a precise measurement of G, emphasizing the experimental design and analysis over a ten-year period.

Findings

Measured G as 6.674252(122)×10^{-11} m^3 kg^{-1} s^{-2}

Discussed the experimental strengths and weaknesses

Summarized the measurement process and results

Abstract

In 2006, a final result of a measurement of the gravitational constant $G$ performed by researchers at the University of Z\"urich 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.