Newton’s Cradle Model
Product Code : SCL-AM-11165
Quick answer: The Newton's Cradle Model is a row of five polished stainless steel spheres hung on nylon suspensions from a frame, used to demonstrate conservation of momentum and energy in nearly elastic collisions. Pull back one sphere and one swings out at the far end. Lab Exports manufactures it in Delhi for schools, colleges and universities.
Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Number of spheres | 5 |
| Sphere material | Polished stainless steel |
| Suspension | High-tensile nylon |
| Supply condition | Pre-assembled: base, frame and suspended spheres |
How the model is used in teaching
The spheres hang in a straight line, just touching. When the end sphere is pulled back and released, it strikes the row and stops; the impulse passes through the stationary spheres and the sphere at the far end swings out to almost the same height. Two spheres released together send two out at the other end, and three send three.
The pattern follows from two conservation laws acting together. Momentum, the sum of m v, and kinetic energy, the sum of 1/2 m v^2, are both nearly conserved when hard steel spheres collide, and with identical spheres the only way to satisfy both is for the same number to leave at the same speed. The swing slowly dies away as a little energy is lost to sound, heat and air resistance, which gives a lead into non-ideal collisions.
- Stand the cradle on a level bench and check that all five spheres hang in line and touch.
- Pull one end sphere out, keeping its suspension taut, and release it.
- Observe the sphere at the opposite end swing out while the middle spheres stay almost still.
- Repeat with two and then three spheres, asking students to predict each result before release.
Key features
- Five identical polished stainless steel spheres for clean, repeatable collisions
- High-tensile nylon suspension keeps the spheres aligned in a single row
- Supplied pre-assembled with base, frame and suspended spheres
- Shows momentum and energy transfer clearly enough for whole-class demonstrations
- Allows one-, two- and three-sphere variations to test predictions
Documentation and supply
An instructional guide explaining the physics and suggested experiments is supplied with the model. Most Lab Exports products carry a one-year manufacturer warranty.
Lab Exports manufactures the Newton's Cradle Model at its works in Laxmi Nagar, Delhi, and supplies it to schools, colleges and universities in India and 60+ countries, handling the export documents for each shipment. More about the company is on the About Lab Exports page.
Related Applied Mechanics products
- Newton's Third Law Model (3rd Law of Motion Apparatus) (SCL-AM-11166)
- Newton's Second Law Model (2nd Law of Motion Apparatus) (SCL-AM-11167)
- Newton's 1st Law Model (SCL-AM-11168)
- Anti Gravity Cone (SCL-AM-11157)
- Hydro Power Model (SCL-AM-11156)
- Hydraulic Brake Model (SCL-AM-11154)
The full range is in the Applied Mechanics section of the Physics Lab range.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Newton's cradle demonstrate?
It demonstrates conservation of momentum and of kinetic energy in nearly elastic collisions, and it is often used to discuss the action and reaction forces between the spheres.
Why does a Newton's cradle eventually stop?
The collisions are not perfectly elastic, so a small amount of energy becomes sound and heat, and air resistance acts on the moving spheres. The swings shrink until the spheres come to rest.
What is the price of the Newton's Cradle Model?
Prices are not published on the website. Add the Newton's Cradle Model to the Enquiry Cart with the Add To Cart button on this page, or email [email protected] with the house code SCL-AM-11165 and the quantity, to receive a quotation.
Does Lab Exports manufacture the Newton's Cradle Model?
Yes. Lab Exports manufactures the Newton's Cradle Model at its works at 11/315, Lalita Park, Laxmi Nagar, Delhi 110092, under house code SCL-AM-11165.
Request a quote
Email [email protected] with the house code SCL-AM-11165 and the quantity, or add the Newton's Cradle Model to the Enquiry Cart with the Add To Cart button on this page. Tender buyers can also see the Tenders and OEM page.
