PURPOSE: To show the center of mass of the earth moon system.
DESCRIPTION: Two dissimilar masses are suspended from a pivoted torque balance, as shown in the above photo. The two masses on the torque beam have a ratio approximately the similar to the earth and moon. But, unlike the actual earth and moon system, it does not show that the center of mass lies inside the earth. However, it does show that the center lies much close to the earth.
EQUIPMENT: Torque beam and masses, as photographed.
Updated by Jun Qi in 3/20/2000