How does a pendulum work?
A swinging weight keeps steady time. A pendulum swings back and forth in the same time whether the swing is big or small. Only its length changes the timing, which is why old clocks used pendulums.
Try Pendulum Metronome for freeMechanical Wonders booklet pack: 30 PDF booklets for $5.99. Instructions only; individual booklets remain free.
Explore the printable packTry it yourself
Count swings in 10 seconds with a short pendulum, then a long one.
Build it: 2 builds that teach pendulum
- ⏱️ Pendulum Metronome: Give it a nudge: tick… tock… tick. Move the wheel to another hole and count again! (level 1 of 5, about 10 minutes, 9 steps)
- 🕰️ Spring Escapement Clock: A ticking pin-wheel clock powered by the pull-back motor's spring. Tick… tock… tick… (level 4 of 5, about 50 minutes, 22 steps)
In the classroom
- E4 Swing & Rhythm (Explorers, Foundation)
- I1 Forces & Motion (Inventors, Intermediate)
Common engineering questions
How can I try pendulum at home?
Count swings in 10 seconds with a short pendulum, then a long one.
Which builds teach pendulum?
2 MightyCog builds teach it: Pendulum Metronome and Spring Escapement Clock. Start with Pendulum Metronome: 9 steps, about 10 minutes.