start stop pendulum


 
Tie a 3 or 4 foot length of string between the backs of two heavy chairs. Stretch the string as tight as possible. Tie a large washer or other weight to one end of each of two 2 foot long pieces of string. Tie the other ends of these strings to the string between the chairs. Space them about a foot apart and about a foot from each chair. The weights should not touch the floor. Pull one of the weights to the side about a foot and release it. After a short while you will notice the stationary weight beginning to move and the swinging weight moving less. Eventually the weight that you started swinging will stop and the other weight will be swinging fully. This trading turns will continue until friction gradually expends the energy of the system.