Foucault Pendulum (Sketch)

This interactive simulator explores Foucault Pendulum (Sketch) in Classical Mechanics. Ω_eff = Ω_E sin|λ| with time scale; top view rotating swing line. Use the controls to change the scenario; watch the visualization and any graphs or readouts to connect the model with lectures, labs, and homework.

Who it's for: Suited to beginners and first exposure to the topic. Typical context: Classical Mechanics.

Key terms

  • foucault
  • pendulum
  • sketch
  • foucault pendulum
  • mechanics
  • classical

How it works

Real **Foucault** motion is subtle on a **rotating** Earth; the textbook **precession rate** of the swing plane is **Ω = Ω_E sin λ** (latitude **λ**), **Ω_E** ≈ **7.29×10⁻⁵ rad/s**. This sim is a **didactic cartoon**: the **bob** follows **A cos(ω_p t)** on a **horizontal** circle whose **diameter line** **rotates** at **Ω_eff = Ω_E sin|λ|** times a **time multiplier** so you can **see** a **turn** in minutes. **Not** a full **Coriolis** integration in 3D.

Key equations

Ω_F ≈ Ω_E sin λ · ω_p = √(g/L) (small-angle)