Synchronization of metronomes
Abstract
Synchronization is a common phenomenon in physical and biological systems. We examine the synchronization of two (and more) metronomes placed on a freely moving base. The small motion of the base couples the pendulums causing synchronization. The synchronization is generally in-phase, with antiphase synchronization occurring only under special conditions. The metronome system provides a mechanical realization of the popular Kuramoto model for synchronization of biological oscillators, and is excellent for classroom demonstrations and an undergraduate physics lab.
- Publication:
-
American Journal of Physics
- Pub Date:
- October 2002
- DOI:
- 10.1119/1.1501118
- Bibcode:
- 2002AmJPh..70..992P
- Keywords:
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- 01.50.My;
- 07.10.-h;
- Demonstration experiments and apparatus;
- Mechanical instruments and equipment