Foucault's pendulum is a device created by Leon Foucault (1819-1868). It was the first device created that helped exhibit in visual form the rotation of the Earth. The pendulum is usually a length of wire with a heavy ball attached. The pendulum is swung from a structure that allows the pendulum to move freely. If the pendulum continues swinging for a few days, it appears as though it has shifted its swing a few degrees to the side. The pendulum is actually swinging on the same plane as the rotating Earth. You can make your own Foucault's pendulum at home, where you can see the change of the Earth's position against the fixed pendulum swing.
- Canvas sack
- Fine sand
- Ladder
- Nylon string
- Pen
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Instructions
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1
Fill a canvas bag with sand. Tie the end up with a piece of string.
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2
Set up a ladder that is 12 to 15 feet high.
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3
Tie one end of a length of nylon string to the tied end of the bag and the other end to the top of the ladder.
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4
Puncture a small hole with a pen at the bottom of the bag. Swing the bag in a straight line underneath the ladder. Let it swing for 45 to 60 minutes, giving the bag a push every time it begins to slow. Watch the path of the falling sand move slightly along the ground.