What instrument measures the force of gravity experienced by an aircraft during maneuvers?

The instrument that measures the force of gravity experienced by an aircraft during maneuvers is the accelerometer. This device detects changes in motion and can measure the acceleration forces, including those caused by gravity. When an aircraft maneuvers, such as during turns, climbs, or descents, the accelerometer captures the resultant G-forces acting on the aircraft. These forces are critical for pilots to understand as they reflect how the aircraft is responding to various flight conditions.

In contrast, a potentiometer is primarily used to measure electrical resistance and is not designed to assess gravitational forces. A gyroscope helps in maintaining orientation and can indicate rotational movement but does not directly measure gravitational force. An inclinometer measures angles of slope or tilt but is not specific to the measurement of gravitational force during maneuvers. Therefore, the accelerometer is the correct choice for quantifying the effects of gravity on an aircraft's performance.