RUI: Measuring Newtonian and Non-Newtonian Gravity on an Intermediate Distance Scale (Physics)

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A direct measurement will be initiated for the Newtonian constant of gravitation, G, on a much larger distance scale than previously achieved. The method to be used is a precise measurement of changes in the local acceleration of gravity, g, at two locations in the vicinity of a large hydroelectric storage pond. A detailed study of the proposed site (the Ludington Pumped Storage Facility in Ludington, MI) and the proposed instrumentation (the portable absolute gravimeters developed at JILA) has shown that a measurement of G to a precision of 0.1%, on a distance scale of 10-100 m, is feasible. The result would be directly sensitive to a proposed "intermediate range force", and could confirm or negate some published claims for its strength and range. This project will involve undergraduate students in laboratory calculations and field measurements in a subject area which is both accessible to their understanding and of immediate interest to the physics community.