Sand Pendulum
Sand Pendulum
Sand Pendulum
Sand Pendulum

 

Code Number: 3A80.10

Demo Title: Sand Pendulum

Condition: Excellent

Principle: Potential to Kinetic Energy, Simple Harmonic Motion

Area of Study: Oscillations & Acoustics

Equipment: 

Sand Pendulum, Sand, Black Cloth, Plexiglas Platform.

Procedure:

The Sand pendulum is a compound pendulum with two different support points and two different lengths which allow the pendulum to swing in two different planes thus giving Lissajous figures.

The wooden sand pendulum will trace patterns in the sand when the pendulum bob is adjusted to the right height.  Consult the instructions for info on how to spread the sand into a concave shape.

References:

  • Rand S. Worland, Matthew J. Moelter, "Two -Dimensional Pendulum Experiments Using a Spark Generator", TPT, Vol. 38, # 8, Nov. 2000, p. 489.
  • Thomas B. Greenslade, "All About Lissajous Figures", TPT, Vol. 31, # 6, Sept. 1993, p. 364. 
  • Thomas B. Greenslade, Jr.,  "The Kaleidophone",  TPT, Vol.  30, # 1, p. 38, Jan. 1992.
  • Joe Pizzo,  "The Sand Pendulum", TPT, Vol. 25, # 4, p. 240, April 1987.
  • Edward H. Leonard, "A Whipped-Cream Pendulum", TPT, Vol. 4, # 2, Feb. 1966, p. 84.
  • Robert J. Whitaker, "Harmonographs. I. Pendulum Design", AJP, Vol. 69, # 2, p. 162, Feb. 2001.
  • Robert J. Whitaker, "Harmonographs.  II.  Circular Design", AJP, Vol. 69, # 2, p. 174, Feb. 2001.
  • Raymond W. Mires and Randall D. Peters, "Motion of a Leaky Pendulum", AJP, Vol. 62, #2, Feb. 1994, p. 137.
  • Robert J. Whitaker,  "A Note on the Blackburn Pendulum",  AJP, 59, # 4, April 1991. 
  • A. D. Crowell, "Motion of the Earth as Viewed from the Moon and the Y-Suspended Pedulum", AJP, Vol. 49, #5, May. 1981, p. 452.
  • Bruce Yeany, "Sand Pendulum", Popular Mechanics, April 2018, p. 104-105.
  • Sn-1, 2:  Freier and Anderson,  A Demonstration Handbook For Physics.
  • M-926:  "Blackburn's Pendulum",  DICK and RAE Physics Demo Notebook.
  • Janice VanCleave, "83, Sand Design", Teaching the Fun of Physics, p. 124.
  • Janice VanCleave,  "22, Curves",  Astronomy for Every Kid, p. 50.
  • Janice VanCleave, "Curves", 200 Gooey, Slippery, Slimy, Weird, & Fun Experiments, p. 6.
3A80.10 - Sand Pendulum