UIUC Physics Lecture Demo: Bowling Ball Pendulum (conservation of energy)

UIUC Physics
Lecture Demonstration
Database

Demo # 23

Bowling Ball Pendulum (conservation of energy)

ID # 23

Description:

A bowling ball, suspended from the ceiling, is pulled back towards the wall and should touch the nose of the lecturer. Once released, the ball will swing back and forth. The lecturer remains in the same position unscathed upon the ball’s return to the starting position.

Picture of Bowling Ball Pendulum (conservation of energy)

Physics Concept:

Mechanics
Work, Potential, and Conservation of Energy
Conservative Forces

The demonstration takes about 3 minutes to perform.