Question

Describe in detail, with sketches as appropriate, the requirements for a setup of a mechanical experiment that allows to measure the weight of individual atoms. Provide details of a sensor (eg. scale, mass), the sensor actuation and the sensor read-out (eg. experimental noise, physical principle). How do you prove that the measured atomic mass stems specifically from the atoms you analyse? (Consider environmental sources of measurement noise)

This question featured in an Oscillations section of a past exam paper. Any help greatly appreciated! Thanks.

Answer 1