Double Pendulum Chaos

This simulation shows how tiny changes can lead to completely unpredictable results—a key idea in chaos theory. Two pendulums start almost identically (the red one has a tiny difference in angle). At first, they swing similarly, but soon their paths diverge wildly. This is called the "butterfly effect"—where small initial changes cause big outcomes over time. Try it yourself: Adjust the sliders and watch how even a 0.5° difference creates chaos! (Chaos theory explains why weather forecasts aren't perfect and why life can be so unpredictable!) 🌪️

Initial Angle 1 (θ₁): 90°

Initial Angle 2 (θ₂): 90°

Perturbation (Δθ₂): 0.5°

About This Calculator

Double Pendulum Chaos simulates the classic physics experiment where two pendulums, starting almost identically, quickly diverge. Explore the butterfly effect and see chaos theory in action.

How It Works

Adjust Angles: Set initial angles and perturbations.
Visualize: Watch two pendulums swing and diverge.
Reset: Try different settings to see new patterns.
Learn: Read the description for real-world chaos examples.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a double pendulum?

It's a system with two swinging arms, known for chaotic motion.

Why do small changes matter?

Tiny differences in starting conditions lead to big differences over time.

Can I use this for homework?

Yes! It's a great demo for physics and math classes.

Is my data saved?

No, all calculations are local and private.