1.1 Introduction
Gravity is the attractive force between all objects, but it is most significant in the case of massive bodies. Perhaps, the most striking mechanism about gravity, it sets up a tension of mutual attraction resulting in an order that extends to all matter. Unlike the other known forces in Nature, gravity is very weak but acts over very large length scales even across the universe. The large scale of interaction between bodies is the key to a profound influence of gravity over all things large in the universe. Therefore, studying the gravity of the planetary system can help in understanding our universe (Hamouda1 et al., 2017).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Gravity is one of the most extensively studied phenomena in nature. At the macroscopic level, the observation of the interplay of the gravitational force and finite mass systems is commonplace. The trajectory of a falling object, orbits of celestial bodies, and motion of a pendulum all exhibit explicit dependencies on gravity. In lay terminology, gravity is generally described as a force by which systems with mass attract one another. However, as elucidated by Einstein in his seminal works on general relativity, it is now known that gravity’s influence extends to massless systems, such as light, and even space itself (Albert Einstein, 1909). Needless to say, a proper understanding of this ever-present phenomenon is vital for the development of a complete description of the observable universe and nature itself.
The first documented effort towards a quantitative description of gravity was the product of Sir Isaac Newton and Robert Hooke in 1666. Newton, spurred on by the suggestion of Hooke that gravity was an attractive force whose magnitude depended on the inverse square of the distance between interacting systems, began by investigating planetary motion. Through observations of bodies in the solar system, Newton developed and empirically confirmed a number of mathematical relations that ultimately served to validate the previously a-priori inverse square law
One of the first experimental ventures into measuring the gravitational constant was performed by Henry Cavendish in 1798. Following after the work of geologist John Michell and Francis John Hyde Wollaston, Cavendish developed an apparatus to measure the nearly imperceptible gravitational attraction between a pair of small and large lead spheres. Cavendish’s device consisted of a torsion balance – a wooden rod suspended by a thin wire – with two small lead spheres at the ends. A significantly larger spherical lead mass was then positioned near each small sphere. The attraction between each large and corresponding small sphere caused the balance to rotate, thereby precipitating the twisting of the thin wire. After twisting through a particular angle, the torque induced on the balance by the gravitational attraction was balanced by the oppositely-directed torsion torque. Measurement of this angle, along with the imparted torque, allowed for the calculation of G.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Comparison of Various Method used in Measuring the Gravitational Constant G.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that gravity is one of the most important aspects of physics; gravity plays a significant role in our daily lives. However there is a variation in the measurement of Newton’s universal gravitation G; this could be as a difference in location where the experiments are being conducted. It is to this regard that the researcher desired to carry out a comparative analysis on the measurement gravitational constant G using different methods.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to compare the Various Method used in Measuring the Gravitational Constant G. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To measure the gravitational constant G using simple pendulum
- To measure the gravitational constant G using beam balance
- To investigate on the factors affecting the measurement of the gravitational constant G
- To determine the difference in measurement of the gravitational constant G using simple pendulum and beam balance
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Are there factors affecting the measurement of the gravitational constant G?
- How is the gravitational constant G using beam balance being measured?
- What is the gravitational constant G measurement process using simple pendulum?
- What is the difference in measurement of the gravitational constant G using simple pendulum and beam balance?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H0: There are no significant factors affecting the measurement of the gravitational constant G
- H1: There are significant factors affecting the measurement of the gravitational constant G
1.7 Significance of Study
The study on various method used in measuring the gravitational constant G will be of immense benefit to the entire physics departments in the tertiary institutions in Nigeria in the following ways:
- It will educate the physics students and lecturers on the various method used in the determination of gravitational constant G using beam balance and simple pendulum method.
- It will compare the both methods to determine the level of accuracy in comparism with the gravitational constant G.
- The study will contribute to the body of the existing literature on Newton’s law of universal gravitation.
This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.8 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the various method used in measuring the gravitational constant G will consider only the use of beam balance and simple pendulum method for the experiment.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
