Question

How are pendulums used in real life

Answer 1

Simple pendulum:

1. A simple pendulum is one that can be considered to be a point mass suspended from a string or rod of negligible mass. It is a resonant system with a single resonant frequency.
2. Pendulums are known to be employed in many engineered objects such as metronomes, clocks, seismometers, and amusement park rides.

Clocks:

1. One of the most common uses for pendulums is to tell time.
2. Since the motion of a pendulum is a constant time interval, a pendulum inside a clock can keep the hands running on time.

Seismometers:

1. Seismometers measure seismic activity on the ground. When they detect movement, such as the shifting plates of an earthquake, a pendulum with a pen attached to it graphs the magnitude of the movement.
2. If the pendulum swings vigorously, scientists know that the seismic waves are intense and potentially dangerous.