| This is a large-scale demonstration of the interaction between period and pendulum length, using 16 bowling balls hung from a wooden frame. Here are answers to some common questions: ** What am I seeing? How does this work? ** The length of time it takes a ball to swing back and forth one time to return to its starting position is dependent on the length of the pendulum, not the mass of the ball. A longer pendulum will take longer to complete one cycle than a shorter pendulum. The lengths of the pendula in this demonstration are all different and were calculated so that in about 2:40, the balls all return to the same position at the same time - in that 2:40, the longest pendulum (in front) will oscillate (or go back and forth) 50 times, the next will oscillate 51 times, and on to the last of the 16 pendula which will oscillate 65 times. Try counting how many times the ball in front swings back and forth in the time it takes the balls to line up again, and then count how many times the ball in back swings back and forth in the same time (though it's much harder to keep your eye on the ball in back!) ** Who made this? ** This was made by Jeff Goodman, who teaches at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. Jeff has some more information and videos about the making of this pendulum wave at http://celophoto.blogspot.com/2012/03/last-bowling-ball-pendulum-post-i.html ** Why are they not perfect at the end? ** This large frame is built from wood and is outdoors, which means it expands, contracts, and flexes. Because the position of the frame changes, the cycle lengths are not perfectly aligned. Variable energy loss due to air friction and the striking of the pipe at the bottom (which creates the music) also contribute to differences. Over time, the minor differences become more pronounced. ** Can I get a copy of this video to use in my classroom? ** You are encouraged to use this video for educational purposes! If you are sharing online, please link back to this video. Contact me if you want to use it in other ways or if you need a higher-quality version. This video is available under Creative Commons license BY-SA: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ ** How can I make my own? Where can I learn more? ** Here are some links to information about the physics behind this. I don’t have the plans for it, but work through the information at these links and design your own - you’ll learn a lot about physics, math, and construction! -- http://www.arborsci.com/cool/pendulum-wave-seems-like-magic-but-its-physics -- Harvard demo page: http://bit.ly/1qJkBr2 -- AJP paper: http://bit.ly/1xOcYUO -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6U-05zFKuo ** Where is this? ** It was built on private property in the mountains of North Carolina (United States), near Burnsville. It is not open to the public. However, Jeff Goodman and I recommend some places near this that work to make the magic of the natural world a part of everyday life. The joy |
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