Spontaneous Synchronization

[Mike Bracchi]

Spontaneous Synchronization

If you place 32 metronomes on a static object and set them rocking out of phase with one another, they will remain that way indefinitely. Place them on a moveable surface, however, and something interesting and incredibly mesmerizing happens.

The metronomes in this video fall into the latter camp. (moveable surface)



Energy from the motion of one ticking metronome can affect the motion of every metronome around it, while the motion of every other metronome affects the motion of our original metronome right back. All this inter-metronome "communication" is facilitated by the board, which serves as an energetic intermediary between all the metronomes that rest upon its surface.

The metronomes in this video, which are really just pendulums, or, if you want to get really technical, oscillators, are said to be "coupled."

The maths and physics surrounding coupled oscillators are actually relevant to a variety of scientific phenomena, including the transfer of sound and thermal conductivity.

[Mike Bracchi]

Just when you think there is a rebel amongst the platoon you'll see it succumb to the rhythm .... keep an eye on the little red fella, on the far right of the video

[SysExJohn]

One assumes they're all set to the same bpm.

Otherwise I can't imagine them synchronising ... or would they?

[Mike Bracchi]

One assumes they're all set to the same bpm.

Otherwise I can't imagine them synchronising ... or would they?

Hiya John,

Yes they have all been set to the same tempo or frequency ... The video below gives a more scientific explanation of the experiment

[Wally Gator]

very cool. Don't know why but it reminded me of this song.



and this

[SysExJohn]

And, more recently, this ...