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A Newton's Cradle is a device typically made of metal that demonstrates the principles of conservation of momentum and conservation of energy through the motion of swinging spheres.
Components and Functioning
- A standard Newton's Cradle consists of a series of identical spheres (usually five or more) suspended in a line, almost touching each other.
- When a sphere at one end is lifted and released, it swings down and strikes the next stationary sphere in line.
- The impact creates a pressure wave that travels through the stationary spheres, pushing the last sphere at the opposite end upward.
- The process then reverses as the elevated sphere swings back and collides with the others, continuing the chain reaction.