Coulomb Pendulum Model
Explore Coulomb Pendulum Model as an interactive EJS simulation for electricity and magnetism.
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1. Watch or Launch
Launch the Interactive
Open the simulation, adjust the controls, and compare what changes on screen before answering the concept-check questions.
2. Big Ideas
What Students Can Learn
- Identify the restoring component of weight along the arc.
- Relate maximum speed to the lowest point of the swing.
- Connect turning points to maximum gravitational potential energy.
- Compare amplitude or length changes where the model permits.
Guiding Question
Where is the pendulum moving fastest, and what energy change explains it?
3. Try the Investigation
Release from One Side
Predict how speed changes as the bob moves toward the lowest point.
Identify Turning Points
Observe where the bob pauses before reversing direction.
Track Energy Changes
Link height to gravitational potential energy and speed to kinetic energy.
Change a Parameter
Change length or amplitude if available and compare the period or motion pattern.
4. Teacher Notes
Lesson Use
Use the model to connect force components, energy transfer, and periodic motion.
Discussion Prompts
Ask: Why does the bob speed up toward the bottom? Which force component restores it?
Teaching Moves
Ask students to mark highest point, lowest point, and turning point evidence.
5. Concept Check
These questions are generated from the topic and the concept illustrated by the simulation. Use them after students have explored the model.
Concept Score
Correct first attempts build a streak and unlock higher point multipliers on this device.
1. Where is a simple pendulum usually moving fastest?
2. What energy is greatest at the highest turning points?
3. What causes the bob to swing back toward equilibrium?
4. What happens to speed at a turning point?
5. Why compare swings with different lengths if available?
7. Learning Pulse
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