ABSTRACT
Mass measurements or mass comparisons consist of making comparisons between the gravitational attraction forces exerted on the standard and unknown weights by the Earth. H. E. Almer and H. F. Swift have shown that an effect coupling the gravitational force exerted on a weight to the height of the center of gravity of the weight is significant when weighings of the highest precision are attempted, and that this effect will cause significant systematic errors in mass measurements if it is not accounted for. The effect, the “gravitational configuration effect,” arises because, for weights of nominally equal mass, the distance of the center of gravity the base of each weight depends on the size and shape of the weight. The gravitational configuration effect correction for the direct comparison of the National Prototype Standard and stainless steel working standard kilograms. The gravitational configuration effect is also important when performing hydrostatic weighing to determine the density of solids and liquids.
