Exploring the Energy Transfer in Suspended Sphere Apparatus

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In summary, the conversation discusses an apparatus called "Newton's Cradle" which is made up of five suspended spheres that can demonstrate kinetic and gravitational potential energy. The spheres are lined up in a row and when the sphere on the far right is swung back and released, it causes the sphere on the far left to move without affecting the spheres in between. The conversation also provides a link to an animation of the apparatus for further understanding.
  • #1
evthis
If you've seen the apparatus that is composed of five suspended spheres from a string lined up in a row, each in direct contact with the spheres before or after it, perhaps you can tell me the type of energy that causes the sphere to the most left to move when the sphere to the most right is swung back and released without effecting the measured locations of any of the spheres between.
 
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  • #2
Kinetic and gravitational potential.

--J
 
  • #3
And, of course, kinetic energy.
 
  • #4
If you'd like to look into it further, look up "Newton's Cradle"
 
  • #5
Jayboy said:
If you'd like to look into it further, look up "Newton's Cradle"

I will do that thanks. Can you give me a basic idea of what the "Newton's Cradle" is?
 
  • #6
evthis said:
Can you give me a basic idea of what the "Newton's Cradle" is?
Newton's cradle is the apparatus you were describing.

Look here for an applet: http://www.walter-fendt.de/ph11e/ncradle.htm
 
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  • #7
Wow, excellent animation imagery describing exactly what I was talking about...thanks greatly for the link which allowed me to see it. :rofl:
 

What is the purpose of the Suspended Sphere Apparatus?

The Suspended Sphere Apparatus is designed to demonstrate the transfer of energy between two connected spheres, one of which is suspended by a string. It is used to study the principles of energy conservation and conservation of momentum.

How does the Suspended Sphere Apparatus work?

The apparatus consists of two identical spheres connected by a string. One sphere is suspended from a support and the other is free to move. When the suspended sphere is released, it begins to swing back and forth, transferring energy to the free sphere through the string. This transfer of energy can be observed and measured.

What factors affect the energy transfer in the Suspended Sphere Apparatus?

The main factors that affect the energy transfer in the apparatus are the mass and velocity of the suspended sphere, the length and tension of the string, and the angle at which the suspended sphere is released. These factors can be adjusted to observe their impact on the energy transfer.

What are the applications of the Suspended Sphere Apparatus?

The Suspended Sphere Apparatus is commonly used in physics education to demonstrate concepts such as energy transfer, conservation of energy, and conservation of momentum. It can also be used in research to study the dynamics of pendulum systems and energy conservation in real-world scenarios.

How can I use the data collected from the Suspended Sphere Apparatus?

The data collected from the apparatus can be used to calculate the velocity, kinetic energy, and potential energy of the suspended sphere at different points in its swing. It can also be used to analyze the energy transfer between the two spheres and to validate the principles of energy conservation and conservation of momentum.

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