Curved Track, 1 meter Long Pendulum, 1 Inch Ball Bearings.

Code Number: 3A40.25

Demo Title: Ball on a Track vs. Pendulum

Condition: Excellent

Principle: Simple Harmonic Motion

Area of Study: Oscillations & Acoustics

Equipment:

Curved Track (with the same arc as the 1 meter pendulum), 1 meter Long Pendulum, 1 Inch Ball Bearings.

Procedure:

Align the track and the pendulum so the ball and the pendulum have the same equilibrium position. Start them oscillating from the same position. Note that the pendulum and ball travel the same arc, have the same mathematical form, but that the ball on the track has a lower frequency.

References:

Laurence A. Marschall, "Driven 'Portulum': A Rolling Ball as a Simple Oscillating System", AJP, Vol. 49, #6, June 1981, p. 557.

Disclaimer

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Instructional Resources and Lecture Demonstrations

3A40.25 - Ball on a Track vs. Pendulum

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