Exploring Foucault's Pendulum: A Marvel of Science in India's New Parliament
Foucault's Pendulum, recently installed in India's new Parliament building, has become a captivating scientific exhibit. Standing at an impressive height of 22 meters and weighing 36 kilograms, this pendulum is the largest of its kind in the country.
Let's delve into the intriguing history, science, making, and installation of Foucault's Pendulum in a conversation-style article.
The History and Science behind Foucault's Pendulum:
The experiment on Foucault's Pendulum was first conducted in 1851 by French scientist Leon Foucault to demonstrate the Earth's rotation.
The pendulum consists of a heavy object suspended from a string, allowing unrestricted swinging in all directions.
Over time, the pendulum gradually changes its alignment, shifting from its initial swing direction.
This experiment revealed that it is the ground beneath the pendulum that changes, not the pendulum itself.
When aligned along the Earth's axis at the north and south poles, the pendulum returns precisely to its original position in 24 hours.
The time it takes for the pendulum to realign with its original swing orientation varies at different latitudes, with no change in swing orientation at the equator.
Foucault's Pendulum in the New Parliament Building:
The pendulum is suspended from the ceiling of the Central Foyer in India's newly constructed Parliament building.
A circular installation on the ground, along with a short grill, allows visitors to gather around and observe the pendulum's mesmerizing movement.
The installation includes details indicating that, at the latitude of the Parliament, the pendulum completes a full rotation in precisely 49 hours, 59 minutes, and 18 seconds.
Making and Installation:
The entire project of creating theFoucault's Pendulum was completed within a span of 10 to 12 months.
The pendulum was entirely made in India, using gunmetal and equipped with an electromagnetic coil for smooth and uninterrupted movement.
The suspension system is mounted on the ceiling, ensuring stability, and a continuous power supply eliminates any hindrances to the pendulum's motion.
The team faced challenges in installing the pendulum at such a height, but with expertise and modifications, the installation was successfully accomplished.
Conclusion:
Foucault's Pendulum in India's new Parliament building is a testament to scientific marvel and curiosity. Through the experiment conducted by Leon Foucault, visitors can witness the Earth's rotation in action.
The impressive height and weight of the pendulum, along with its precise movements, make it an awe-inspiring attraction. The installation and craftsmanship involved in creating this pendulum showcase India's dedication to scientific endeavors.
Whether you are a science enthusiast or simply curious about the mysteries of our planet, a visit to the new Parliament building is an opportunity to witness the captivating Foucault's Pendulum in action.
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