32 out of sync metronomes sync up

[Magical Realist]

Pretty neat..Any ideas how this happens?


http://www.buzzfeed.com/svoip/32-out-of-sync-metronomes-end-up-synchronizing-4y59

 

[billvon]

Pretty neat..Any ideas how this happens?

They are on a suspended foam board that mechanically links them all together. As the metronome arms swing, the metronomes/board swings the other way due to the reaction to the force needed to move the counterweight. Eventually they all get into sync because of this. (When they are in sync you can see the board sway in the opposite direction as the counterweights.)

 

[Magical Realist]

Aha! The old suspended foam board trick. Tks! So I take it this wouldn't work on a solid table? Or would it just take longer?

 

[billvon]

Aha! The old suspended foam board trick. Tks! So I take it this wouldn't work on a solid table? Or would it just take longer?

If it was completely immobile they'd never sync - but no table is completely immobile.