2007-05-16 15:55:04 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Yes, in fact, I belive that experiment was used to prove that Earth does indeed rotate!
The explanation is not simple, but here goes
http://www.physclips.unsw.edu.au/jw/foucault_pendulum.html
2007-05-16 16:06:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if the Smithonian Institute in Washington still has the Fouchet pendulum, but it was set up to show just that. The pendulum swang back and forth suspended from the ceiling. Enough open space was provided to clear a circular opening around the pendulum. As the day progressed, it would swing back and forth to locations on the circle progressing with the day, just like a clock.
2007-05-16 16:00:53 · answer #2 · answered by cattbarf 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The principle is called Foucault's pendulum. if a very long pendulum is allowed to swing under it's own weight, it will rotate thru a circle because of the earth's spin. There are mathematical equations that can explain this, but it's basically because of the coriolis effect, the deflection of movement from a straight path due to rotation.
2007-05-16 16:06:49 · answer #3 · answered by colorsonfriday 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋