Watch 32 random metronomes self-synchronize

[kenny]

It's a 4-minute video, but they are mostly synchronized by 2 minutes.
Notice the ones in the back, that were started first, synchronize first.

http://www.wimp.com/synchronizingmetronomes/

Explanation: http://salt.uaa.alaska.edu/dept/metro.html

I sense sociological parallels.

 

[kenny]

This one adds a lot to the understanding of the idea.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aaxw4zbULMs

 

[JulieN]

Would be interesting if they synchronized on a steady surface.

 

[AmeliaG]

Based on the second video, I don't think they can.

This is cool. I immediately started thinking of heart muscles in the lab synchronizing their beating when you place them close together or women who work or live together getting their periods at the same time.

Perhaps synchronicity is more prevalent than we realize.

 

[kenny]

Would be interesting if they synchronized on a steady surface.

When the pendulum swings to the right, the bottom of the metronome produces a tiny force to the left.

The non-steady surface transfers energy between them.
This eventually synchronizes them.

 

[JaneSmith]

Cool.

Another explanation from a great physics blog: http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2012/10/01/you-are-getting-sleeeeeeepy/#comments