🚀 go-pugleaf

On Wed, 22 Feb 1995 07:25:20 PST John Mallinckrodt said:
>
>Yes, inertial balances calibrated in mass units work just as well
>on the earth as on the moon.  But notice that they depend on
>"gravitational forces" to work in both places.  They don't work in
>deep space, unless you crank up a litte "gravitational force" by
>firing the rockets or spinning the room.  So what are they REALLY
>measuring?
>
John,

As some others have pointed out, an inertial balance uses elastic
forces and SHM to measure inertial mass and does not require a
gravitational field or a simulation of same.


>But back to earth...  The distinction between mass and weight IS
>important and difficult for many if not most students.  I'm not
>recommending that we cloud the issues for students by getting in
>to all of the above.  But I would like for US to recognize the
>subtleties in statements like, "Spring scales measure weight;
>balances measure mass."  It may even help us do our job; it can't
>hurt.
>
Well -- it sounds like we agree after all.

>(And if you want to get some use out of those sunglasses, hop on a
>plane for a day of skiing in sunny Southern California!)
>
If I only had the funds, I'd be there.  I had to settle for a trip
to southern Michigan for skiing.  No California sun but plenty of
midwest wind chill!  Brrrrrrrrrrr!

Enjoy the warm California sun for me!  I'm jealous!

Cherie                                 Cherie Lehman
clehman@purccvm.bitnet                 West Lafayette High School
clehman@vm.cc.purdue.edu               West Lafayette  IN  47906
:)                                     VOICE 317-775-1300
                                       FAX:  317-775-1375