A new (old?) coupled pendulum experiment

Abstract

We present a description and analysis of a coupled pendulum experiment that has been used at the University of Auckland for many years. Although similar experiments are very common in undergraduate physics labs, both the physical system and our teaching approach are, we believe, novel. Compared to other coupled pendulum experiments, it has the advantage that the coupling can easily be varied, allowing students to observe the changing nature of the normal modes and beat frequencies. Additionally, the system displays a surprising degree of complexity, making it of interest to more advanced students in laboratory courses that are augmented with computer-based numerical modeling and algebra software.