Newton's cradle experiments  other topics
for use with materialworlds Newton's cradle simulation  
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notes on the simulation...
The simulation runs at three speeds - normal, slow (1/10 normal) and v. slow (1/200 normal ) - so it can be slowed down to watch collisions propagate through the line of balls.
Velocity and force vectors are (by default) displayed in the main view so that the forces and velocity changes associated with each audible collision  can be observed.
Three different collision patterns are already set up - with the option and instructions for setting up your own.
A perspective view and energy bar graph are also displayed.
As the collisions are not entirely elastic, energy is lost on each collision.

Newton's cradle experiment - how does it work?

Tracking the chain of collisions through Newton's cradle.
Explaining how the collision forces produce the observed velocity changes.

tasks:
Manipulating simulation and controls (simulation speed ... rewind/pause/play).
Copying force and velocity arrows onto a sequence of diagrams.
Describing how collision forces produce changes in velocity.