Distinguishing inertial from gravitational mass can be confusing, but this robust inertial balance can reduce that confusion and provide an accurate measure of inertial mass for any object between 100 and 600g. With the included “unknown” slug, machined to fit snugly in the hole on the balance platform, one can show how inertial mass is wholly independent of gravity. The balance is comprised of two metal platforms connected by a pair of spring steel blades mounted with their flat sides vertical. Once one platform is securely clamped to a tabletop, the other can oscillate freely in a horizontal plane. After calibrating the balance with known masses by measuring their periods, students can measure the inertial mass of the “unknown” slug, both when resting in the balance platform and while suspended from a cord. The “unknown” slug has a machined shoulder to fit the balance platform and a hook from which it can be suspended. The balance is 10 x 35cm and comes with one unknown mass and complete instructions. In addition, you will also need five or six 2″ C-clamps, one 3″ or 4″ C-clamp, a stopwatch or clock with second hand and a support stand with a horizontal attachment.
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