Will a pendulum stop in space?

No. Pendulums don’t work in space, but even in a vacuum here on earth they would still stop. A pendulum requires a pivot where the pendulum bob connects to its supporting object, like a beam. Any pivot will cause some friction which will eventually stop the pendulum, even if it takes much longer than without a vacuum.

Why does my pendulum not stop swinging?

When it swings to its lowest point, that potential energy is now kinetic energy, which then swings up and converts back to potential energy. This happens repeatedly. If there were no friction or drag, which steals potential energy, the pendulum would swing forever.

Is it possible for a swing to swing forever?

If you could have a pendulum that swings forever, you could potentially harvest free energy from that (you only use a tiny bit of energy to get it going and then it keeps on going forever). This is called perpetual motion, and as far as the laws of physics as we know them tell us, it is impossible.

How long will a pendulum swing for?

The perpetual motion is inposible due to the forces that are slowing it down. But you can make pendulum that last for 10–12 hours… it depends on the environment and the pendulum structure. Technically, if the pendulum is swinging in a vacuum, then there will be no air resistance.

Can pendulum oscillation in vacuum?

In a vacuum with zero air resistance, such a pendulum will continue to oscillate indefinitely with a constant amplitude. However, the amplitude of a simple pendulum oscillating in air continuously decreases as its mechanical energy is gradually lost due to air resistance.

How do I make my pendulum swing longer?

The longer the length of string, the farther the pendulum falls; and therefore, the longer the period, or back and forth swing of the pendulum. The greater the amplitude, or angle, the farther the pendulum falls; and therefore, the longer the period.)

Why would a pendulum eventually stop?

The pendulum stops eventually because of air resistance. The pendulum loses energy because of friction. Only in a theoretical situation when there is no friction the pendulum will oscillate forever.

How does swinging pendulum in vacuum obey conservation of energy?

But though energy can change forms, the total energy in a system is always conserved –the amount of energy before a change equals the amount of energy after a change. As a pendulum swings, its potential energy changes to kinetic energy, then back to potential energy, then back to kinetic energy, and so forth.

Can a pendulum oscillate in vacuum?

A basic classical example of simple harmonic motion is the simple pendulum, consisting of a small bob and a massless string. In a vacuum with zero air resistance, such a pendulum will continue to oscillate indefinitely with a constant amplitude.

At what point does a pendulum swing?

Since the mass of the pendulum bob won’t change, the only way for kinetic energy to change is for the speed of the pendulum to change. Kinetic energy is highest when the velocity is the highest. This occurs at the bottom of the pendulum.

Does a heavier pendulum swing longer?

When you add a weight to the bottom of the pendulum on the right, you make it heavier. Shorter pendulums swing faster than longer ones do, so the pendulum on the left swings faster than the pendulum on the right.

How long should your pendulum be?

You’ll want to make sure the chain isn’t too long, because you’ll probably be using it over a table or other surface. Generally, a chain between 10 – 14″ is perfect.