The PSSC soda straw balance is adapted to make it applicable to a study of Coulomb's law. Because of the inherent simplicity of the balance, it is well suited to nonscience students as well as physics majors. A calculation is made to determine a correction for the redistribution of charge as conducting spheres of finite radius are brought near each other in the Coulomb's law experiment. Typical data are presented to illustrate the value of this simple balance as a teaching device.
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1970 American Association of Physics Teachers.
1970
American Association of Physics Teachers
AAPT members receive access to the American Journal of Physics and The Physics Teacher as a member benefit. To learn more about this member benefit and becoming an AAPT member, visit the Joining AAPT page.
