Mass Measurement Based on the Law of Conservation of Momentum

Mass Measurement System Using Electromagnetic Impulsive Force

Abstract

A new type of mass measurement system under zero-gravity conditions is proposed whose principles of measurement are based on the law of conservation of momentum. The measurement procedures are as follows; initially, two objects, one of whose mass is unknown, are at rest. Then, a repulsive force is generated between the objects so that their momentum change; the unknown mass is estimated from the ratio of their velocities. In the developed system, an electromagnetic impulsive force is used as repulsive force. The objects are floated on an air slide surface so that they can have uniform motion because of very small friction. Experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed mass measurement system.