Inertial Mass Lab Video

The inertial balance is used for determining the mass of an object while in space. The mass of an object does not change, but the weight does. Weight depends upon "g" or the acceleration due to gravity of the planet that you are on.

A triple beam balance has a fulcrum or balancing point at its center. It acts like a first class lever. (Another example of a 1st class lever is a see saw.) When the weights hung on the three arms of the triple-beam balance are the correct distance away, they balance or off-set the item on the pan.

This type of measuring device does not work in space since weight is a force and is dependent upon gravitational attraction with the Earth. So we need to find another way of determining gravitational mass. The inertial balance works by using harmonic motion or back and forth vibrations. Once calibrated with masses of a know value, it can be used to find the inertial mass of an object. The inertial mass and gravitational masses are the same.
Copyrighted video. N. J. Walker 2013.

Видео Inertial Mass Lab Video канала Physics Walker