Related Resources

The Pendulum
http://www.physics.uoguelph.ca/ applets/Intro_physics/ kisalev/java/pend1/index.html
A pendulum simulation with variables you can alter. Your browser must support Java to view this site.

Motion Sickness

Many pendulum rides take the form of large boats, and it's probably no coincidence that a number of people find this ride evokes in them the same sense of seasickness that a real boat produces. Motion sickness is caused when the information from your eyes does not jibe with the apparatus in your inner ear's that senses motion. Motion sickness can also be caused by sensory overload.

Medical research has determined the periods of oscillation, angles of swing, and radiuses, and speeds of rotation most likely to produce motion sickness. Where are you likely to find these conditions? You might find them on a boat at sea during a storm. One sure place to find them is on an amusement park pendulum ride.

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"Amusement Park Physics" is inspired by programs from The Mechanical Universe...and Beyond.