Magnetic Posted August 6, 2006 Report Posted August 6, 2006 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 shouldbe 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 newtonscradle to run out of ommph in the first place. Any ideas? Quote
Turtle Posted August 6, 2006 Report Posted August 6, 2006 To start with I guess I need to know what is causing the newtonscradle to run out of ommph in the first place. Any ideas?Is a frog's fanny watertight? :confused: Entropy is the vorpal blade you seek. Snicker snack, snicker snack. Oh yeah...hi.:hyper: Jay-qu 1 Quote
Jay-qu Posted August 6, 2006 Report Posted August 6, 2006 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" Quote
Magnetic Posted August 6, 2006 Author Report Posted August 6, 2006 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. Quote
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