Foucault Pendulum and Light Ring

Presentation Type

Poster/Portfolio

Presenter Major(s)

Physics

Mentor Information

Ross Reynolds

Department

Physics

Location

Henry Hall Atrium 53

Start Date

11-4-2012 9:00 AM

Keywords

Information, Innovation, and Technology, Physical Science, Technology

Abstract

This experiment was composed of building a Foucault Pendulum that could fit inside a classroom. I constructed a pendulum that hung over a light ring. A phototransistor on the bottom of the bob registered the change in light intensity and started a timer when it passed over the light ring. The timer turned on an electromagnet, which attracted the metal bob to it. This caused the bob to accelerate. The acceleration counteracted the frictional forces that usually slow a pendulum. This system successfully made a perpetual motion pendulum that can demonstrate the rotation of the Earth.

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Apr 11th, 9:00 AM

Foucault Pendulum and Light Ring

Henry Hall Atrium 53

This experiment was composed of building a Foucault Pendulum that could fit inside a classroom. I constructed a pendulum that hung over a light ring. A phototransistor on the bottom of the bob registered the change in light intensity and started a timer when it passed over the light ring. The timer turned on an electromagnet, which attracted the metal bob to it. This caused the bob to accelerate. The acceleration counteracted the frictional forces that usually slow a pendulum. This system successfully made a perpetual motion pendulum that can demonstrate the rotation of the Earth.