PURPOSE: To show how the measurement of inertia is done independent of gravitational forces.
DESCRIPTION: A simple apparatus consists of two leaf springs overhanging a table. Add masses and set it to vibrate with a small deflection. The period of vibration is observed to be proportional to the mass load. A NASA laser disc shows weightless astronauts in an orbiting satellite using a similar apparatus to measure their body mass.
EQUIPMENT: Inertia balance and mass stored in mechanics.
SETUP NOTES: None.
Updated by Jun Qi in 3/3/2000