Pendulum Model
1st Floor / No. 4
Summary
The pendulum model aims to present the relationship between the oscillation amplitude, the weight, and the suspension arm on which the pendulum weight is located. The demonstration uses an approximation of a mathematical pendulum. The model features three pendulums.
- Pendulum 1 represents a SHORT suspension arm with a large weight.
- Pendulum 2 represents the same large weight suspended on a LONGER arm.
- Pendulum 3 represents a smaller weight suspended on the same LONGER arm as the large weight on Pendulum 2.
PROCEDURE FOR STARTING THE OSCILLATION SIMULATION
- Set the lever of the starting mechanism to the horizontal (latch) position and activate the brake.
- Use your left hand to move Pendulum 3 to the left towards the start shaft and position the pendulum into the marked start position on the start shaft using the latch.
- Repeat the same procedure with Pendulum 2.
- And once more with Pendulum 1.
When all three pendulums are latched in the preparation position, the model is ready for testing.
Close off access to the pendulums with the cord. Grip the start handle, release the brake, and pull the handle down to the START position.
RESULTS
When observing the oscillation of all three pendulums, we can note the following:
- Pendulum 1 swings the fastest.
- Pendulums 2 and 3 swing evenly and more slowly.
- From the oscillation of Pendulums 2 and 3, we can conclude that the mass of the weight does not affect the speed of oscillation, as the weights (masses) are not equal.
- From the oscillation of Pendulums 1 and 2, we can see that the different speeds of the two pendulums are influenced solely by the different suspension height of the weights (arm length), as the weights are identical.