Newton's cradle

Newton's cradle is a device that demonstrates conservation of momentum and energy. It is constructed from a series of pendulums (usually 5) abutting one another. Each pendulum is attached to a frame by two strings of equal length angled away from each other. This string arrangement restricts the pendulums' movements to the same plane.

Since the 1970s, Newton's cradle has been a popular desk toy.

External links

• applet with an moving example
• further explanation