In the same issue of Science
as the previous article that was discussed is a method that was touched on
concern determining G through use of free-fall.
Schwarz, et al took an apparatus that allowed them to
measure the trajectory of a test mass in free-fall using laser interferometry.
With the introduction of a one-half metric ton source mass, they perturbed this
trajectory to allow for the calculation of G.
This is very much a purely scientific article of the modern
era, and it is apparent reading it. The importance in reading something like
this for a student studying physics is to familiarize them with the methods and
style of writing about an experiment that has been conducted.
There is no direct tie to DiSessa that I have been able to
find, but for this paper, I did not really expect to find one. If there is one,
it would be an example of how advanced understanding can become and almost
obscure the existence of the p-prim that could be utilized by a new student.
I do not have much more to say about this article to be
honest.
Joshua P. Schwarz, Douglas S. Robertson, Timothy M. Niebauer, and James G. Faller, "A free-fall determination of the Newtonian constant of gravity," Science, Vol. 282, pages 2230-2234 (1998)
