======Newton's Cradle======


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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - Pull back one of the spheres in the cradle to a small angle and release it.  
  - Observe that one sphere on the opposite side swings out with the same motion.  
  - Repeat the experiment with two, three, or four spheres pulled back and released together.  
  - Note how the same number of spheres exit on the opposite side, while the middle spheres remain nearly stationary.  




====Links==== 
Newton's Cradle - Incredible Science: 
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Giant Newton's Cradle - Mythbusters - Banijay Science: 
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📄 Newton's Cradle - Classroom Physics Demos: [[https://demos.smu.ca/demos/mechanics/136-newton-s-pendulum]]\\

====Variations====
  * Try releasing spheres from a larger angle to see how the motion changes.  
  * Release one sphere from each end at the same time and watch the interactions in the middle.  
  * Use different sized Newton’s cradles to compare motion with larger or smaller spheres.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Ensure the Newton’s cradle is placed on a stable surface to prevent it from tipping over.  
  * Keep fingers clear of the moving spheres to avoid pinching.




====Questions to Consider====
  * Why does the same number of spheres swing out on the opposite side as were released? (Because momentum and energy are transferred through the line of spheres.)  
  * Why do the middle spheres appear to stay still? (They transfer energy and momentum but do not visibly move.)  
  * What energy transformations occur during the collisions? (Kinetic energy transfers between spheres, with small amounts lost as sound and heat.)