Equivalence Principle precision

In summary, there are two tables available on Wikipedia that describe experiments performed to investigate the Equivalence Principle. The first table shows dimensionless percentages, referred to as the Eotvos parameter, while the second table shows fractions of a GeV. However, since the mass of protons and neutrons is approximately a GeV, these values can also be interpreted as percentages. To convert the values in the second table into ratios, you can divide them by c^2.
  • #1
jumpjack
222
3
I found 2 tables describing raising precision in experiments performed to investigate Equivalence Principle:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equivalence_principle#Tests_of_the_weak_equivalence_principle
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hughes–Drever_experiment#Modern_experiments

I can't understand how to compare the two tables: is that possible? If second one is expressed in GeV, in which unit of measure is the first expressed? Is it just an adimensional ratio?
 
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  • #2
Numbers in the first table are dimensionless percentages, what he calls the Eotvos parameter.
Numbers in the second table give a fraction of a GeV, but since the mass of protons and neutrons is approximately a GeV, they may be regarded as percentages too. For the electron column you'll have to divide by the electron mass to get a percentage.
 
  • #3
Sorry but I can't yet understand.
How can I convert second table values into ratios? By dividing by c^2?
 

Related to Equivalence Principle precision

1. What is the Equivalence Principle?

The Equivalence Principle is a fundamental concept in physics that states that the effects of gravity are indistinguishable from the effects of acceleration. This means that an object in a gravitational field will experience the same acceleration as an object in a non-gravitational field that is being accelerated.

2. How is the Equivalence Principle related to precision?

The Equivalence Principle precision refers to the level of accuracy in measuring and testing the validity of the Equivalence Principle. This is important because any deviation from the principle could indicate the presence of new physics or a breakdown of our current understanding of gravity.

3. What are some experiments that have tested the Equivalence Principle precision?

Some notable experiments include the Eötvös experiment, which compared the acceleration of different materials in a gravitational field, and the Lunar Laser Ranging experiment, which measures the motion of the Moon to test the Equivalence Principle on a larger scale.

4. What are the implications of a violation of the Equivalence Principle?

A violation of the Equivalence Principle could have significant implications for our understanding of gravity and the universe as a whole. It could potentially lead to the development of new theories or the modification of existing ones.

5. Why is the Equivalence Principle important in modern physics?

The Equivalence Principle is a key concept in modern physics, as it forms the basis for Einstein's Theory of General Relativity. It also has implications for other areas of physics, such as cosmology, where it is used to explain the behavior of large-scale structures in the universe.

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