Laboratory Test of Newton's Second Law for Small Accelerations

POSTER

Abstract

We have tested the proportionality of force and acceleration in Newton's second law, F=ma, in the limit of small forces and accelerations. Our tests reach well below the acceleration scales relevant to understanding several current astrophysical puzzles such as the flatness of galactic rotation curves, the Pioneer anomaly, and the Hubble acceleration. We find good agreement with Newton's second law at accelerations as small as 5 x 10$^{-14}$ m/s$^2$.

Authors

  • Brian Woodahl

    IUPUI

  • Jens Gundlach

    University of Washington

  • Stephan Schlamminger

    University of Washington

  • Chris Spitzer

    University of Washington

  • Ki Choi

    University of Washington

  • Jennifer Coy

    Saint Joseph's College

  • Ephraim Fischbach

    Purdue University