COUPLED SWINGS

mechanics

Description of the device

Two swings connected to each other with a rope form a model of coupled pendulums. When you sit on the swing, you become a part of this model.

Phenomenon

When one person sets their swing in motion and then both persons allow the swings to move freely, you can observe a vibration transfer phenomenon. Swing that up to this moment was still, starts to move back and forth with increasing amplitude. At the same time amplitude of the first swings’ movements is decreasing. After some time, the process repeats. This phenomenon does not occur indefinitely because of motion resistance in the system. Coupled swings refer to the harmonic oscillator model which is used to study mutual influences of two bodies. Dependences discovered by this model are the basis of particle physics.

How to use it

One person should set their swing in motion while the other keeps their swing in balance. When amplitude of the first swing’s inclination is significant, both persons should let their swings move freely. How do the swings behave? Try to swing in such a way so both swings move in the same direction – this is a symmetric vibration. Then try to swing in such a way so the swings move in opposite directions – this is an antisymmetric vibration.