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Posted

Hi All, Admin's, Mod's, Members.

 

I have joined up but to ask one question or to get directed to the right place to ask it.....

 

Newton's Cradle- how can I make one that runs for a long time.

 

I am imagining that by using magnets and an electromagnet I should

be able to make it run longer, along the lines of those rotating mobiles

(usually featuring a dolphin) that swing around and around.

 

To start with I guess I need to know what is causing the newtons

cradle to run out of ommph in the first place.

 

Any ideas?

Posted

What turtle more or less said was that friction and other energy conversions (eg sound) will be what slows the swinging to a stop. And yes there is probably a way to make it perpetual, try searching google for "perpetual newtons cradle"

Posted

Yes indeed, losses due to conversions of energy and a gradual disorganisation of the system will stop it eventually. Although from my point of view they stop it alltogether too quickly and I can't think of any great refinements to the system to make it go longer (placing it in a vacuum maybe but thats a little hard for me here at home)

 

As for the internet, sadly it does not hold the answer to that which I

seek....and thats why I am here at one of its componant parts. Perhaps

you can shift this thread to were some talents can come to bear on telling me whether I can get away with a simple magnet and electromagnet arrangement or whether I am going to need some sort of switching electromagnet arrangement.

 

Cher.

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