Inertial Balance

The Inertial Balance constructed of two platforms supported by a pair of spring steel strips. With one end clamped to a table the other end is free to oscillate. Adding mass to the free end increases its inertia and causes slower oscillation. By comparing the periods of the apparatus with known masses to the period of an unknown mass, the value of the unknown mass can be determined. This comparison can either be accomplished using a graphical program such as Excel or graphing the values by hand. The Inertial Balance  provides a way to measure the mass of an object  without relying on gravity to assist in the student's calculations. This effectively shows the critical relationship between weight and mass. A string is included with the inertial balance to suspend a mass in the inertial balance instead of letting it rest in the tray. The period of oscillation is the same in both cases, showing that gravity is a force and only acts on an object of mass.   C-Clamp sold separately.