How to use Pendulum Simulator
The bob swings from a fixed pivot under gravity. Push left or right to add a small impulse, then try to alternate between the two target zones. Each successful target hit scores points.
Controls
Tap the left or right half of the canvas, use the two on-screen buttons, or press the left/right arrow keys.
This is a free browser physics experience with no real-money wagering, cash prizes or required account.
What to try
- Start with small pushes and let gravity do most of the work.
- Watch how the bob speeds up near the bottom and slows near the ends of the arc.
- Try to hit alternating targets without adding a push on every swing.
What the physics shows
A pendulum continuously trades gravitational potential energy for kinetic energy. Near the top of the arc it moves slowly; near the bottom it moves fastest. The simulator adds a little damping so the motion gradually settles unless you add another push.
Why replay it?
Small changes create visibly different outcomes, so the fastest way to understand the system is to repeat the same setup and then change one variable at a time. PegFlux keeps the controls compact so the experiment stays readable on both desktop and mobile.
What changes a pendulum’s motion?
For small swings, the length of a pendulum has a strong effect on how long each cycle takes, while the mass of the bob has much less effect than many people expect. Gravity also matters: weaker gravity produces a slower swing. This PegFlux version keeps length and gravity fixed so you can focus on the timing of pushes, damping and the exchange between height and speed.