The Cavendish Experiment

The Cavendish Experiment, conducted in the late 18th century by Henry Cavendish, was a groundbreaking study that measured the force of gravitational attraction between masses. Using a delicate apparatus with lead spheres, he observed how their mutual attraction caused a torsion balance to twist. This allowed him to calculate the density of the Earth and, consequently, provide the first accurate estimation of the gravitational constant. His work was foundational for understanding gravity, laying the groundwork for later scientific advancements in physics, including Albert Einstein’s theories of relativity.