The Zero G Swing
Joachim Köppen DF3GJ Kiel/Strasbourg/Illkirch Autumn 2004
Here is a small swing which is to be set in motion, before releasing the experimental
chamber. One can also drop this gadget into a cushion, and observe what happens:
Depending on where the swing happens to be at the moment of release - so several
attempts are necessary! - there are two possible reactions:
- if it was just at the maximum elongation, thus at zero velocity, it will
stand still during the fall
- if it was just passing at maximum velocity through its vertical position,
it will make a somersault, circling the axis
- at any intermediate position, it will also circle the axis, but if it has not
a sufficiently great speed, it cannot finish a full somersault during the
duration of the free fall
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