How does a magnetic pendulum work?

The magnetic pendulum is not only fascinating to see, it is also an example of the phenomenon of deterministic chaos. This means that it is a system that erases the unstable equilibrium. We clarify exactly what this means using the following definitions:

Deterministic chaos: "irregular and chaotic behavior of system variables, which however obeys a deterministic dynamic, that is to say not due to accidental external influences such as noise. The reason for this irregularity is the existence of instabilities of the premises which cause a fast exponential divergence of the very close system states, as well as non-linearities which make that the identical or unstable system states are supposed on many occasions. "

• Stable balance: objects with stable balance are those which, when you remove them from their starting position, push them slightly, return to their original position after the deviation.

• Unstable equilibrium: here the opposite occurs, instead of finding the path from the starting position, the object always moves away from its original position.

• With that in mind, let's take a closer look at how a magnetic pendulum works as an example of unstable equilibrium.

Operation of the magnetic pendulum

With a magnetic pendulum, several disc magnets are attached to an iron plate. A pendulum is placed in a corner with a magnetic ball suspended above. If the disc magnets are aligned with their north pole up and the pendulum with the north pole down, they repel each other, causing a certain line of movement. If they are aligned with mutual poles, they dress accordingly.

You can now continue the experiment and test what happens when the starting point of the pendulum changes. Observe that the line of movement traversed by the pendulum will change considerably, even if the starting point is slightly modified. You can also vary the amount of disc magnets on your plate to change the result. In all cases, you will observe the phenomenon of unstable equilibrium, since the pendulum will no longer return to its initial position.

Construction instructions for a magnetic pendulum.

You just need a base plate, a few disc magnets, a bar to build the magnetic pendulum, and a spherical magnet. Place the disc magnets on the plate of your magnetic pendulum with the north pole facing up. Now use a wire to hang the ball magnet on the rod and place it on one end of your plate. You can now start.

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