Each office worker usually tries to arrange his workplace as comfortably as possible, since he spends most of his time in the service. Very often in the table decor you can notice such an element as the eternal pendulum. And although many consider it a meaningless trinket, a movable accessory has a certain practical purpose.
Appearance and features
A pendulum is a perpetual motion machine that works by converting potential energy into mechanical energy. The device is a mechanism that consists of movable elements.
The most popular type of pendulum is a simple mechanism, which has the name "Newton's Cradle." By its principle, all types of pendulums are constructed:
- The device consists of a rectangular base stand. This element can be made of wood, metal or glass - it all depends on the design decision.
- On the basis of fasteners are installed that resemble small horizontal bars located parallel to the long sides of the rectangle.
- A metal ball is tied to each such horizontal bar. The distance between all spheres is the same.
Pendulums are actively used, which consist of gradually increasing hemispheres that are fixed on the spoke. Also often found are frames attached with two fasteners to the base.
When one of the constituent structural elements is launched, the whole mechanism comes to work. Parts of the pendulum make sequential movements that last a long time.
The history of the emergence of such a souvenir
The eternal pendulum became a fashion accessory in 1967. The inventor of this mechanism was the English actor Simon Prebble. He was a real fan of physics, the actor wanted to popularize complex science. The basis for creating a decorative element was the pendulum, which is used in mechanical watches to start the entire mechanism.
The mechanism works according to the law of conservation of momentum. The greater the momentum the body acquires, the longer the pendulum takes place. To strengthen it and make the movements of all component parts smooth and uniform, an additional magnetic field was added to the mechanism.
Thanks to the invention of such a “toy” and its wide distribution, people began to think about the principle of action of the device. In addition to achieving the main goal, the popularization of physics as a science, Simon received a good profit from sales.
What functions can a pendulum perform
Desktop eternal pendulums perform several important functions.
- Calm down, set up for work and help to concentrate.
- Aesthetic pleasure that makes the boring office interior more vibrant and diverse.
- If absolutely necessary, the device can play the role of a stopwatch or clock to detect or count down the time.
- A decorative addition to any design of a table, cabinet, room.
Some scientists claim that the eternal pendulum can stabilize blood and intracranial pressure due to a calming effect.
Who can present such a gift
The eternal pendulum in many cases can be an actual gift. Such "toys" have a special unique charm. Who can present the pendulum?
- A colleague or boss, if his position involves working at the table.
- To a friend or girlfriend, as the mechanism can decorate not only the workplace, but also the home interior.
- You can give the pendulum to a friend whom you know not so long ago and well, since the thing is universal and neutral.
The pendulum is a successful present in all respects, as it has a presentable appearance and does not carry any special semantic load.