AN ABSOLUTE MEASUREMENT OF THE ACCELERATION DUE TO GRAVITY AT OTTAWA

Abstract

An apparatus for determining the absolute value of gravity by measuring the distances through which a rule falls in discrete time intervals is described. From the data associated with 64 drops with two non-magnetic stainless steel rules in vacuum, a value of g at the absolute gravity station at Ottawa of 980.6132 cm sec −2 with a possible error of ± 0.0015 cm sec −2 has been obtained. This value is 13.7 ± 2.0 milligal less than the Potsdam value at that position.