Eötvös torsion balance for geophysical prospecting by Süss Nandor

Made:
1920 in Budapest
Eötvös torsion balance for geophysical prospecting by Süss Nandor

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Eötvös torsion balance by Süss Nandor, Budapest, Hungary, c.1920. Used for geophysical prospecting by detecting small variations of gravity over short distances, the instrument is based on a design by Hungarian physicist Loránd Eötvös.

Geophysical prospecting methods apply principles of physics in order to locate underground mineral or oil deposits. Portable gravitational instruments, either measuring absolute gravity or gravity differences can be used to detect irregularities below the surface of the earth, which can indicate geological structures and mineral deposits – when the density of the mineral differs considerably form the surrounding rock.

The balance consists of a beam suspended by a fine torsion wire, carrying at its extremities two weights at different vertical heights and enclosed in a metal case which can be rotated about a vertical axis. The position of the brass box enclosing the balance arm is indicated by a horizontal circular scale, and the orientation of the arm relative to it is observed by the aid of a mirror fixed on the balance arm, and a telescope.

A double-walled brass case protects the balance from radiation, electrical influences and eddy currents due to variation of temperature – necessary for obtaining the required sensitivity.

Details

Category:
Geophysics
Object Number:
1920-809
Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy)
type:
torsion balances
credit:
Suss Nandor

Parts

Box for Eötvös torsion balance

Box for Eötvös torsion balance

Box for Eötvös torsion balance by Süss Nandor, Budapest, Hungary, c.1920.

More

Geophysical prospecting methods apply principles of physics in order to locate underground mineral or oil deposits. Portable gravitational instruments, either measuring absolute gravity or gravity differences can be used to detect irregularities below the surface of the earth, which can indicate geological structures and mineral deposits – when the density of the mineral differs considerably form the surrounding rock.

The balance consists of a beam suspended by a fine torsion wire, carrying at its extremities two weights at different vertical heights and enclosed in a metal case which can be rotated about a vertical axis. The position of the brass box enclosing the balance arm is indicated by a horizontal circular scale, and the orientation of the arm relative to it is observed by the aid of a mirror fixed on the balance arm, and a telescope.

A double-walled brass case protects the balance from radiation, electrical influences and eddy currents due to variation of temperature – necessary for obtaining the required sensitivity.

Measurements:
overall: 278 mm x 630 mm x 1713 mm,
Object Number:
1920-809 Pt1
type:
box - container
Eötvös torsion balance for geophysical prospecting by Süss Nandor

Eötvös torsion balance for geophysical prospecting by Süss Nandor

Eötvös torsion balance by Süss Nandor, Budapest, Hungary, c.1920. Used for geophysical prospecting by detecting small variations of gravity over short distances, the instrument is based on a design by Hungarian physicist Loránd Eötvös.

More

Geophysical prospecting methods apply principles of physics in order to locate underground mineral or oil deposits. Portable gravitational instruments, either measuring absolute gravity or gravity differences can be used to detect irregularities below the surface of the earth, which can indicate geological structures and mineral deposits – when the density of the mineral differs considerably form the surrounding rock.

The balance consists of a beam suspended by a fine torsion wire, carrying at its extremities two weights at different vertical heights and enclosed in a metal case which can be rotated about a vertical axis. The position of the brass box enclosing the balance arm is indicated by a horizontal circular scale, and the orientation of the arm relative to it is observed by the aid of a mirror fixed on the balance arm, and a telescope.

A double-walled brass case protects the balance from radiation, electrical influences and eddy currents due to variation of temperature – necessary for obtaining the required sensitivity.

Object Number:
1920-809 Pt2
type:
torsion balances
Balance and brass case for Eötvös torsion balance for geophysical prospecting by Süss Nandor

Balance and brass case for Eötvös torsion balance for geophysical prospecting by Süss Nandor

Balance and brass case for Eötvös torsion balance by Süss Nandor, Budapest, Hungary, c.1920. Used for geophysical prospecting by detecting small variations of gravity over short distances, the instrument is based on a design by Hungarian physicist Loránd Eötvös.

More

Geophysical prospecting methods apply principles of physics in order to locate underground mineral or oil deposits. Portable gravitational instruments, either measuring absolute gravity or gravity differences can be used to detect irregularities below the surface of the earth, which can indicate geological structures and mineral deposits – when the density of the mineral differs considerably form the surrounding rock.

The balance consists of a beam suspended by a fine torsion wire, carrying at its extremities two weights at different vertical heights and enclosed in a metal case which can be rotated about a vertical axis. The position of the brass box enclosing the balance arm is indicated by a horizontal circular scale, and the orientation of the arm relative to it is observed by the aid of a mirror fixed on the balance arm, and a telescope.

A double-walled brass case protects the balance from radiation, electrical influences and eddy currents due to variation of temperature – necessary for obtaining the required sensitivity.

Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy)
Object Number:
1920-809 Pt2/1
type:
torsion balances
Part of:
1920-809 Pt2
Thermometer, broken, from Eötvös torsion balance for geophysical prospecting by Süss Nandor

Thermometer, broken, from Eötvös torsion balance for geophysical prospecting by Süss Nandor

Thermometer, broken, from Eötvös torsion balance by Süss Nandor, Budapest, Hungary, c.1920. Used for geophysical prospecting by detecting small variations of gravity over short distances, the instrument is based on a design by Hungarian physicist Loránd Eötvös.

More

Geophysical prospecting methods apply principles of physics in order to locate underground mineral or oil deposits. Portable gravitational instruments, either measuring absolute gravity or gravity differences can be used to detect irregularities below the surface of the earth, which can indicate geological structures and mineral deposits – when the density of the mineral differs considerably form the surrounding rock.

The balance consists of a beam suspended by a fine torsion wire, carrying at its extremities two weights at different vertical heights and enclosed in a metal case which can be rotated about a vertical axis. The position of the brass box enclosing the balance arm is indicated by a horizontal circular scale, and the orientation of the arm relative to it is observed by the aid of a mirror fixed on the balance arm, and a telescope.

A double-walled brass case protects the balance from radiation, electrical influences and eddy currents due to variation of temperature – necessary for obtaining the required sensitivity.

Materials:
glass
Object Number:
1920-809 Pt2/2
type:
thermometer
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Part of:
1920-809 Pt2