Newton's cradle

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A device that demonstrates conservation of momentum and energy via a series of swinging spheres. When a sphere at one end is lifted and released, the resulting force travels through the line and pushes the opposite sphere upward, repeating the process as it swings back down.
noun
  1. Alternative form of Newton's cradle.

Word forms

Newton's cradle Newton's cradles

Etymology

Named after Isaac Newton.

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