exploratorium

Exhibits

PHENOMENA

Energy: Conservation of Energy

Chaotic Pendulum

When you set these pendulums swinging, the motion of each one affects the others.

Where:   Crossroads: Getting Started
Coupled Pendulums

Start one of these two pendulums swinging and soon you’ll see the other pendulum start swinging, too. Keep watching and you’ll see the two pendulums take turns, alternately swinging energetically and coming to a near standstill.

Where:   Crossroads: Getting Started
Downhill Race

Believe it or not, when objects roll downhill, it’s not their weight or size that determines their speed—it’s how their weight is distributed.

Where:   Crossroads: Getting Started
Pedal Generator

Power these appliances with your feet!

Where:   Gallery 2: Tinkering