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Pendulum
A pendulum is a weight suspended from a pivot that can
swing freely. When the pendulum swings to the side from
its central resting place — called the equilibrium position
— gravity pulls it back toward the equilibrium position.
But because of the inertia of the weight, the pendulum
doesn't just stop at the equilibrium position. Instead, it
continues swinging past it, back and forth. This motion is
called oscillation. Eventually, friction with the air and the
pivot point will cause the pendulum to come to a rest at the
1
0
equilibrium position.
The pendulum model in this kit helps you to observe the
angle of the robotic base unit relative to vertical. The
pendulum will be pulled down by gravity, so even when
the model is tilted, the pendulum should hang straight
down toward the ground — unless the motion of the model
has caused the pendulum to swing back and forth.
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