A metronome uses an inverted pendulum rod to control tempo. A weight can be slid up the pendulum rod to decrease tempo, or down the pendulum rod to increase tempo.
A second fixed weight is hidden inside the metronome at the base of the pendulum. The longer the distance between the two weights, the slower the tempo.
This equation is used to calculate the frequency of the metronome pendulum:
f = frequency (number of back and forth cycles in 1 second) measured in hertz
g = the acceleration due to gravity; 9.8 m/s2
L = length of the rod — in this case, the length of the rod between the two weights — measured in meters
Part II: If f = 1.6 then there are 2 beats a second, or 192 beats per minute (bpm). What is the length of the rod between the two weights at that tempo? Use your equation from Part I to solve for L.
