Serpentine Pendulum Experiment
Mechanics in Motion · Interactive
- Dimensions1.2×0.8×1.3m
- PresentationInteractive
- PricingQuoted by manufacture spec
Purpose & Scientific Principle
The period of a simple pendulum is inversely proportional to the square of the pendulum length. This exhibit uses this principle to place several pendulums with gradually shorter pendulum lengths in the same plane, with their lower ends aligned and the diameter of the pendulum ball the same. When all the pendulum balls are lifted to the same height and released simultaneously, a serpentine motion curve will gradually form due to the difference in swing period. Rotate the limit plate so that each pendulum ball is close to the limit plate and then release your hand. The limit plate quickly resets and each pendulum ball begins to perform a single pendulum motion. Due to the different swing periods, a serpentine curve is eventually formed. The exhibition mainly shows the relationship between the period of a simple pendulum and the length of the cycloid.
How to Operate
Gently pull up the reset plate so that each pendulum ball is close to the reset plate and then release your hand. The reset plate quickly resets and each pendulum ball begins to perform a single pendulum motion. Due to the different swing periods, a serpentine curve is eventually formed.
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