A new determination of G using two methods.

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Metrology
• Gravitation

Background:

• Accurate measurement of the gravitational constant (G) is crucial for fundamental physics and geophysics.
• Previous measurements of G have exhibited significant discrepancies, highlighting the need for independent verification.
• Torsion balance experiments are a primary method for determining G due to their sensitivity to weak forces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a new, precise measurement of the gravitational constant (G).
• To validate the measurement using two substantially independent experimental configurations of a torsion-strip balance.
• To compare the obtained value of G with recent experimental results.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a torsion-strip balance for measuring the gravitational force between masses.
• Employed two distinct and independent experimental setups with the torsion-strip balance.
• Analyzed data to determine the value of G and its associated uncertainty.

Main Results:

• The gravitational constant G was measured as 6.675 59(27)x10^-11 m^3 kg^-1 s^-2.
• The result has a standard uncertainty of 4.1 parts in 10^5.
• The two independent methods yielded consistent results, with a correlation coefficient of -0.18.
• The measured G is approximately 2 parts in 10^4 higher than a recent result by Gundlach and Merkowitz.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a new, high-precision value for the gravitational constant G.
• The consistency between the two independent methods strengthens the reliability of the result.
• The slight deviation from a recent measurement warrants further investigation into potential systematic effects in G determinations.