Newton’s Cradle

Theory

In elastic collisions ($e=1$) between equal bodies, momentum $\sum m\vec{v}$ and kinetic energy are both conserved. The only solution is for the last sphere to leave with the speed of the first — the “pulse” crosses the spheres at rest.

What to observe

• One sphere comes in, one sphere goes out.

Try this

• Select two spheres on the left and drag them aside together.
• Lower the restitution of one sphere and watch energy dissipate.

Also available in: Pêndulo de Newton (berço de Newton) (Português) · Péndulo de Newton (cuna de Newton) (Español)