Smithsonian Newtons Cradle

Newton’s Cradle lets you witness how for every action there is an opposite and equal reaction. Perform various experiments to observe the law in action. STEM content includes biographical information on Newton and explains concepts including matter, mass, momentum, inertia, force, centripetal force, and Newton’s three laws of motion.

• Watch how momentum and energy are transferred from one side of Newton’s Cradle to the other.
• Observe how potential (“stored”) energy becomes kinetic energy.
• Try simple experiments that demonstrate Newton’s First Law of Motion.
• Ages 8+