SkipCaptcha
1,279
edits
Changes
Add images
[[File:Simple gravity pendulum.svg.png|thumb|alt=Diagram of a simple pendulum showing the amplitude of its swing.|right|205px|Diagram of a simple pendulum showing the amplitude of its swing.]]
A '''pendulum''' is an object that is suspended from a pivot and allowed to swing.<ref name="Britannica">{{cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/technology/pendulum|title=Pendulum|accessdate=2019-07-25|publisher=Britannica.com}}</ref> Pendula are particular useful for making [[clock]]s as they have a regular period when they oscillate. The mass at the end of the pendulum is known as the "bob".
A '''pendulum''' is an object that is suspended from a pivot and allowed to swing.<ref name="Britannica">{{cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/technology/pendulum|title=Pendulum|accessdate=2019-07-25|publisher=Britannica.com}}</ref> Pendula are particular useful for making [[clock]]s as they have a regular period when they oscillate. The mass at the end of the pendulum is known as the "bob".
===The Foucault pendulum===
===The Foucault pendulum===
[[File:Foucault pendulum animated.gif|thumb|alt=Diagram of a simple pendulum showing the amplitude of its swing.|right|205px|The precession of the plane of a Foucault pendulum. The speed of the precession is highly exaggerated.]]
The [[Foucault's Pendulum|Foucault pendulum]] consists of a heavy mass hung from a long line. It is allowed to swing in only a single plane. As it oscillates, the [[earth]] rotates beneath it causing the plane of oscillation to change and so it is evidence that the [[earth]] rotates.
The [[Foucault's Pendulum|Foucault pendulum]] consists of a heavy mass hung from a long line. It is allowed to swing in only a single plane. As it oscillates, the [[earth]] rotates beneath it causing the plane of oscillation to change and so it is evidence that the [[earth]] rotates.