Newton's Cradle

Newton's cradle is a physics demonstration device that illustrates the principles of the conductance of energy, the conservation of energy, the conservation of momentum, and friction. The energy from the end ball dropping is transferred through the stationary balls. When the energy reaches the last ball, the ball swings out. When it swings back it repeats the cycle of transferring energy through the row of stationary balls. Each successive swing is shorter as a result of friction. This model will repeat the cycle about 8 to 10 times before the marbles come to rest. The GIF image has been slowed down to better illustrate the effect. Due to the small scale and low mass of this model it will move through the cycle fairly quickly. Using a cellphone to take a slow motion video is a great way to see the effect in action. These models are traditionally built with heavy steel ball bearings. This example uses standard toy marbles that measure between 15.6mm and 15.8mm. The parts print witho