Mathematical pendulum's phase space

This simulation solves the mathematical pendulum φ'' + g/l sinφ = 0 and displays the phase space in two ways:

As a plane
As a cylinder for -π < φ ≤ π, i.e., the lines φ = -π and φ = π are identified

Put the mouse pointer over an element to get information about it.

Activities

Make sure you understand the cylindric phase space by using

The point of view of the three-dimensional projection can be changed with the mouse.
The whole image can be moved with the mouse while pressing Ctrl.
To change the zoom in the projection, press Shift when moving up or down the mouse pointer.

This is an English translation of the Basque original for a course on theoretical mechanics.
It requires Java 1.5 or newer and was created by Juan M. Aguirregabiria with Easy Java Simulations (Ejs) by Francisco Esquembre. I thank Wolfgang Christian and Francisco Esquembre for their help.