Hello, Hello, Hello -Newton's Cradle query

[Magnetic]

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?

[Turtle]

Originally Posted by Magnetic

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?

Is a frog's fanny watertight?
Entropy is the vorpal blade you seek. Snicker snack, snicker snack.

Oh yeah...hi.

[Jay-qu]

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"

[Magnetic]

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.