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Coupled Pendulums


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Try the Interactive Coupled Pendulums.

Both swings are attached to a pair of cables. As you press the start button, the individual on the left swing begins to swing. As time passes, the energy from the one swing transfers to the other swing through the cables and back again.

What's Going On?

As you swing back and forth you are mass, or bob, on the end of a pendulum.

Your swing is attached to a pair of cables. These are connected to the other swing (or pendulum).

The swinging motion of the pendulum on which you sit is coupled through the cable to the other pendulum.

So as you swing back and forth, your motion (and energy) is transferred through the cable to the other pendulum.