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Document Type
Oral Presentation
Department
Physics
Faculty Mentor
Paul Nakroshis, PhD
Abstract
Redefining the kilogram using electricity has been one of the most intriguing advances in measurement science in the last century. To do this, an electromagnet is used to balance the force of gravity imposed on a mass in a standard balance setup, the current through the electromagnet is measured and this value is used to define a kilogram, this is called a watt-balance. We use this concept to create a watt-balance using a TeachSpin Torsion Pendulum, where in we were able to measure masses of several sizes with excellent precision and accuracy. We compare the efficacy of our scale to that of conventional weighing methods, and consider ways of improving this device to make it more suitable for lab environments.
Open Access?
1
Constructing a Watt-Balance with a Torsion Pendulum
Redefining the kilogram using electricity has been one of the most intriguing advances in measurement science in the last century. To do this, an electromagnet is used to balance the force of gravity imposed on a mass in a standard balance setup, the current through the electromagnet is measured and this value is used to define a kilogram, this is called a watt-balance. We use this concept to create a watt-balance using a TeachSpin Torsion Pendulum, where in we were able to measure masses of several sizes with excellent precision and accuracy. We compare the efficacy of our scale to that of conventional weighing methods, and consider ways of improving this device to make it more suitable for lab environments.
