Oscillations and Waves > Oscillations > Coupled Oscillators DCS# 3A70.42

SYNCHRONIZED METRONOMES



 

APPARATUS
five metronomes
202-13-D1
piece of foam core
202-13-D1
two pop cans
202-13-D1
 
DESCRIPTION
Set the five metronomes to the same frequency and place them on the foam core base.  They will be out of phase.  Rest the base on the two pop cans and the now weakly-coupled metronomes will become synchronized within a minute or so.  Place the base back on the table and the metronomes will fall out of sync again.

NOTES

Set the metronomes to a high frequency (208 bpm) so they synchronize faster, and start with them freshly wound.

The table should be clean and level so the cans are free to roll smoothly.

Use stops to prevent the cans from rolling too far.


REFERENCE

"Synchronization of metronomes," Am. J. Phys 70(10), 992-1000, James Pantaleone.