Pendulum clocks are powered by mechanisms that trigger the pendulum to swing with a constant period. Traditionally, weight or spring mechanisms fulfill this purpose, but some clocks use electricity to power the pendulum. Weight-powered pendulum clocks require rewinding when their weights are fully lowered, while the spring-powered variety must be recoiled once the springs extend.
How are pendulum clocks powered?
What are pendulums used for?
Different types of pendulums have different applications. Examples of simple pendulums are found in clocks, swing sets, and even the natural mechanics of swinging legs. Tetherballs are examples of spherical pendulums. Schuler pendulums are used in some inertial guidance systems, while certain compound pendulums have applications in measuring the acceleration of gravity.