Pendulum Wave

Pendulum Wave releases 15 differently timed bobs together, then lets them peel into rolling waves, split pairs, counter-phase motion, and a one-minute reunion. Four compact controls restart the cycle, hide the trails, change the pendulum count, or widen the release angle.

What is Pendulum Wave?

A row of bright pendulum bobs begins in formation and promptly develops other plans. Because each one completes a different whole number of swings during the same 60-second interval, their shared line bends into waves, divides into opposing groups, and eventually snaps back into alignment. A countdown and changing phase label make the structure legible without smothering the spectacle in equations. The default 15-bob arrangement is the sweet spot, while 10 and 20 offer cleaner or denser variations. Trails add a soft scribble of recent motion behind each bob; turning them off leaves the timing itself to do the drawing.

What you can do there

• Watch pendulums drift through repeating phase patterns
• Restart the 60-second cycle
• Toggle motion trails
• Change the pendulum count and release angle

Why we picked it

The page compresses a classic lecture demonstration into a handsome, single-purpose canvas. Its charm comes from the tension between strict timing and apparent disorder: every wandering bob is following a simple rule, yet the group keeps inventing new silhouettes. One minute is enough to see the entire trick, which makes it unusually generous for such a small experiment.

How to get the most from it

Let the default cycle run for the full minute before touching anything. Watch the middle of the countdown for the counter-phase split, then compare 10, 15, and 20 pendulums. The angle button changes the sweep from restrained to broad, while Trails OFF makes the underlying formation easier to read. Reset or click the canvas whenever you want everyone back on the same beat.

Good to know

The animation is silent, free to view, and starts immediately without signup. It runs continuously and has no documented pause or reduced-motion control, so motion-sensitive visitors may prefer a short look with trails disabled. The display is canvas-based; touch behavior, small-screen usability, and assistive-technology support are undocumented.

Who made it, and when?

Yuzhe Shi is the credited creator or organization.