Torsional Oscillator

DCS Code: 3A10.30 Last Updated: March 27, 2026

Purpose

A torsional wire oscillator shows how moment of inertia affects oscillation period (\(T = 2\pi\sqrt{I/\kappa}\)). Removing or adding ball bearings changes \(I\) and visibly changes the period. When both oscillators on the wire swing freely, they couple and exchange energy.