VII. The newtonian constant of gravitation as affected by temperature

Abstract

This paper deals with the possible existence of a temperature coefficient in the law of gravitation and gives an account of experiments made to discover this coefficient. The apparatus used is of the Cavendish torsion-balance type, and the range of temperatures is from 15°C. to 250°C. The result of a prolonged research is shown in the summary. The accumulation of negative results in the experimental study of gravitation is remarkable. In consequence of the indifference of the gravitative force to changes of conditions (other than those given by the simple law f = GM m/d 2 ), none of the many theories of gravitation so far propounded has received general acceptance for lack of data wherewith to test them. Some recent theories, which consider the possibility of temperature effect, are:— N. Morozov advances a wave theory on which the attraction of masses would vary with temperature.