Understanding Newton's Cradle. I: Modelling the Ideal Cradle

Autor/inn/en	Gauld, Colin; Cross, Rod
Titel	Understanding Newton's Cradle. I: Modelling the Ideal Cradle
Quelle	In: Physics Education, 56 (2021) 2, Artikel 025001 (9 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Zusatzinformation	ORCID (Gauld, Colin) ORCID (Cross, Rod)
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0031-9120
Schlagwörter	Scientific Principles; Conservation (Concept); Mechanics (Physics); Simulation; Demonstrations (Educational); Science Instruction; Energy; Motion; Equations (Mathematics); Toys + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Konservierung; Mechanik; Simulation program; Simulationsprogramm; Demonstrationsexperiment; Demonstrationsmodell; Demonstrationsunterricht; Teaching of science; Science education; Natural sciences Lessons; Naturwissenschaftlicher Unterricht; Energie; Bewegungsablauf; Equations; Mathematics; Gleichungslehre; Toy; Spielzeug
Abstract	Newton's cradle is often discussed in science classrooms as a clear example of the laws of conservation of momentum and energy although it has been shown that this use is somewhat misleading. Approaches to understanding the behaviour of this apparatus are often over-simplified and deficient or over-complex and with little impact among teachers. In this paper, basic principles of mechanics are used to explain the behaviour of ideal cradles of various lengths and to use a simple model by which to simulate its operation. The purpose is to demonstrate that the real behaviour of Newton's cradle provides a rich source of application of those principles in coming to terms with how the apparatus behaves and experiencing the process of modelling in physics. [For "Understanding Newton's Cradle. II: Exploring a Real Cradle," see EJ1286996.] (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01