Synchronization of Huygens' clocks: An elementary treatment

POSTER

Abstract

We discuss a Huygens' model in the ``language'' for someone with a background in algebra-based physics. The system consists of two pendulums mounted on a cart. We show how the movement of the cart removes the degeneracy of the two bobs, and use the conservation of linear momentum to describe the necessary escapement mechanism. We present results from an Excel calculation for the decay of the symmetric and antisymmetric modes.

Authors

  • Ulrich Zurcher

    Physics Dept, Cleveland State University

  • Jean-Francois S. VanHuele

    Morehead State University, Indiana University Bloomington, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Bowling Green State University, Psychology Department, Cleveland State University, Physics Dept, Cleveland State University, Brigham Young University

  • Jean-Francois S. VanHuele

    Morehead State University, Indiana University Bloomington, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Bowling Green State University, Psychology Department, Cleveland State University, Physics Dept, Cleveland State University, Brigham Young University