Inverted Foucault Pendulum

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In this demonstration, learners explore a variation of a Foucault pendulum, but upside down. This resource contains instructions on how to construct the device (the predecessor to the Foucault Pendulum) as well as how to demonstrate how it would move at various latitudes.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Demonstration
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • A straight small diameter metal, plastic or wooden rod - 70cm or longer
  • Block of wood (a 2 x 4 at least 4” inches long will work great, or almost any wooden block that is at least 3/4” thick and 2” by 4” or larger)
  • A Mass – 10g (piece of wood, lump of clay, etc.)
  • Pliers to bend or cut the metal rod
  • A drill

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Processes
  • Mathematics
    • Algebra
    • Geometry
      • Plane Geometry
    • Measurement
      • Circles
      • Rate
    • Number and Operations
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
      • Momentum and Velocity
      • Rotation Motion

Informal Categories

  • Nature and Environment

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Muller, Eric

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Exploratorium, 2009