Perpetual Motion Balls: Buy & Learn What You Need

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of perpetual motion as it relates to a specific apparatus known as Newton's Cradle, which consists of suspended balls that transfer motion through collisions. Participants explore the mechanics, limitations, and potential variations of this system, including the effects of environmental factors like air resistance and vacuum conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the name and purchase options for a set of balls suspended in strings, suggesting a desire to learn more about the device.
  • Another participant identifies the device as "Newton's Cradle" and suggests searching for suppliers.
  • A different participant asserts that perpetual motion is impossible and notes that the balls in Newton's Cradle eventually stop moving.
  • One participant speculates on the performance of the cradle in a vacuum, suggesting that air resistance is a significant source of energy loss.
  • Another participant agrees that a vacuum would extend the duration of motion but points out that energy loss also occurs due to the distortion of the balls during impact, which generates heat and sound.
  • A later participant questions whether a mechanism involving magnets that maintains consistent motion could still be classified as perpetual motion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that Newton's Cradle does not achieve perpetual motion, but there are differing views on the extent of motion in a vacuum and the role of various factors contributing to energy loss. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the classification of magnet-based motion as perpetual.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the exact conditions under which the cradle operates, including the impact of vacuum and the nature of energy loss during collisions. There is also ambiguity regarding the definition of perpetual motion in relation to magnetic mechanisms.

justjoshus
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What do you call and where can i buy the set of balls (maybe 4 or 5) suspended in strings and when the outermost ball hits the the next one and bounces off the last one on the other end and sets off perpetual motion? I surely appreciate any ones response. Thank you. Josh
 
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Do a search on "Newton's Cradle" or "Newton's Balls".
 
Hello justjoshus.You are describing "Newtons cradle" so try googling for suppliers.There is no such thing as perpetual motion and the balls in Newtons cradle stop eventually.
 
I wonder how long it'd go on in a vacuum. I'm guessing air resistance is by far the biggest source of losses.
I'm guessing it'd go on for a surprising amount of time. Anyone got a high vacuum to try it out in?
 
It would go on for longer in a vacuum but another major source of energy loss is due to the fact that during impact the balls get slightly distorted.
 
Dadface said:
It would go on for longer in a vacuum but another major source of energy loss is due to the fact that during impact the balls get slightly distorted.

Which generates heat and sound (which dissipates as heat).
 
if magnets are involved in any mechanism of motion but it kept the motion consistent from other variables is it still considered perpetual motion??
 

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