Falling Rhythm

This demonstration creates rhythm using falling weights. Weights equally spaced on one string produce an accelerating beat as they fall, while weights spaced according to square numbers on another string produce a steady rhythm, illustrating how gravity affects falling objects.

1. Cut two lengths of string, each about 3 meters long.
2. On String 1, attach weights at equal intervals: 50 cm, 100 cm, 150 cm, 200 cm, 250 cm.
3. On String 2, attach weights at increasing intervals: 10 cm, 40 cm, 90 cm, 160 cm, 250 cm (distances follow square numbers).
4. Hold String 1 so its bottom just touches the floor, then release it. Listen as the rhythm speeds up.
5. Repeat with String 2. Notice that the rhythm stays even, despite the uneven spacing of the weights.

Class demo- dropping weights attached to a string - UNSW Physics:

📄 Falling Rhythm - Exploratorium : https://www.exploratorium.edu/snacks/falling-rhythm

• Try longer or shorter strings to hear different rhythms.
• Use different sounding surfaces (metal, wood, plastic) to change the tone.
• Try adding more weights to explore additional rhythmic patterns.

• Use caution when working from height - use a step stool safely if needed.
• Ensure weights are securely fastened to avoid them flying off.

• Why do evenly spaced weights make a rhythm that speeds up? (Because falling objects accelerate under gravity, so the intervals between impacts get shorter.)
• Why do unevenly spaced weights create a steady beat? (Because their spacing matches the square of the time intervals, compensating for acceleration.)
• What does this experiment tell us about how distance and time are related in free fall? (Distance fallen is proportional to the square of the time.)
• How does this connect to music? (It shows how mathematics and physics can create rhythmic patterns.)