Monday, May 11, 2009

Foucault pendulum

A pendulum erected in 19th-century Paris to demonstrate the daily rotation of the Earth.
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4 comments:

  1. MoniqueMay 11, 2009 at 9:41 AM

    and how did it accomplish that? :)

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  2. TaleaMay 11, 2009 at 1:41 PM

    can't say for sure yet, but I believe the pendulum gradually shifts over the day, and this creates a new angle (compared to the pendulum's original position) and from this they can conclude that the earth is rotating. Honestly, even though it was wikipedia that gave me the first definition, the physics equations were way over my head, and I didn't take the time to really try to absorb it.

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  3. MoniqueMay 11, 2009 at 4:35 PM

    hmm. interesting. after absorption, you will have to report back. :)

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  4. MoniqueMay 11, 2009 at 4:36 PM

    actually, reminds me of the complicated latitude and longitude discussed in the Mapmaker's Wife book. :)

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