PURPOSE: To show coupled oscillations and beats of a system with two different modes of oscillation.
DESCRIPTION: Wilberforce pendulum, as shown in the photograph. Not adjustable. The beats show that the energy transfers back and forth between the compressional mode and the torsional mode of oscillation. The period is about 10 seconds.
EQUIPMENT: Wilberforce pendulum, as photographed.
Updated by Jun Qi in 3/24/2000