Abstract
The measure G, the universal gravitational constant, is attributed to Henry Cavendish. Nevertheless, the intention of the English physicist was to measure the density of the earth, which at that time was necessary in order to decide between different theories about the composition of this planet. G was measured much later.In this article I will try to explain how Cavendish accomplished the famous experiment and what his results were. Likewise, I will consider the problems that can arise in the scientific training of students from maintaining anachronisms such as this.
Highlights
the intention of the English physicist was to measure the density of the earth
which at that time was necessary in order to decide between different theories
consider the problems that can arise in the scientific training of students
Summary
The measure G, the universal gravitational constant, is attributed to Henry Cavendish. Dándose por hecho que gracias a la gravitación universal se mantenía el orden celeste –la kepleriana «armonía de las esferas»– se trataba de comprobar, y a ser posible medir, esa misma supuesta atracción gravitatoria entre objetos cotidianos o entre objetos y la misma Tierra, sobre todo para corroborar la todavía dudosa pero, a su vez, versátil ley inversa del cuadrado de la distancia, pronto asociada también a los fenómenos electrostáticos y a los magnéticos. Si la medida del arco de meridiano se aceptó para dilucidar la forma de la Tierra, medir su densidad fue la tarea emprendida para decidir sobre la fluidez o solidez del planeta, intentos ambos asociados a la admisión o no de la supuesta atracción newtoniana
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