How does a Newtons Cradle work?

Subject: How does a Newtons Cradle work?

Date: Fri Mar 12 11:15:23 1999
Posted by Lee Taylor
Grade level: grad (science) School: No school entered.
City: London State/Province: No state entered. Country: No country entered.
Area of science: Physics
ID: 921258923.Ph

Message:


In a 'Newtons Cradle', (the thing with the string of metal balls 
suspend by nylon thread, and goes 'click clack click clack')  I 
understand that You lift a ball it swings and hits the row of 
balls and one flies of the other end because there is 
conservation of momentum and energy.  But when you lift two 
balls on one side and let go they strike the row of stationary 
balls and then the TWO at the other side fly away.  How the hell 
does it work?  I mean when you lift two balls and let go then 
why doesnt just one ball on the otherside fly off with twice 
speed?  How does it know how many balls were lifted in the first 
place?

Re: How does a Newtons Cradle work?

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