Making a Newton’s Cradle
Team:
Purpose:
To see Newton’s 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Laws of motion in action. To see how Forces like gravity effect
Newton’s Laws. To witness conservation of energy, kinetic, and potential mechanical energy.
Materials:
Billiard balls, PVC pipe, string, hooks. Do you need anything else?
Procedure:
State your detailed plan for your project.
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Observations:
Did your Cradle work?
Did the balls swing only in one plane?
How did you ensure they could only swing in one plane?
How do the balls move in relation to each other?
What happens when you lift and release the ball to the furthest right?
What happens when you lift and release the two balls to the furthest right?
What adjustments did you need to make?
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State how this project shows:
Newton’s 1st Law of Motion:
Newton’s 2nd Law of Motion:
Newton’s 3rd Law of Motion:
Gravity’s effect Newton’s Laws:
Conservation of energy:
Kinetic Energy:
Potential Energy:
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