Efficient Pendulum Pivoting for a Frictionless Physics Experiment

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on constructing a pendulum for a physics experiment that minimizes friction. Key recommendations include using ball bearings to support the pendulum shaft, selecting lead for the bob to reduce air resistance, and utilizing silk thread for the suspension to minimize friction. These materials and techniques ensure efficient energy transfer in the pendulum's motion, aligning with the principles of kinetic and potential energy.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic and potential energy principles
  • Familiarity with pendulum mechanics
  • Knowledge of materials science, specifically regarding density and friction
  • Basic skills in constructing physical models
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of ball bearings and their impact on friction in pendulum systems
  • Explore the use of lead in pendulum design and its effects on motion
  • Investigate different materials for pendulum strings, focusing on tensile strength and weight
  • Learn about the principles of minimizing air resistance in pendulum experiments
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Physics students, educators conducting experiments on energy transfer, and hobbyists interested in building efficient pendulum systems.

explorien86
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In my physics class we are working on an experiment that deals with energy (kinetic & potential) and right now we need to construct a swinging pendulum that has the least bit of friction to it possible. I have some basic concepts but he said it would cause to much friction that way. Would anyone here have any good ideas to make the pendulum swing with the least amount of friction?
 
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In the immortal words of Fletch: "It's all ball bearings." You can get a relatively inexpensive roller or ball bearing to support the shaft that the pendulum swings on.

If you're not getting that in depth, tell us what your previous idea was and maybe we can expand on it.
 
To minimize air resistance, you want the densest material you can find for the bob. Most likely it would be lead. The string should be the thinnest and lightest combination that can hold the bob. Silk is a good option (available from a sewing/fabric shop. Sometimes simple is best: with a good metal clamp (clamped between two flat metal strips) the only friction is the interior friction of the silk thread bending. THis is very small.

Lead and silk; that's my suggestion.
 

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