Five polished steel balls, a stainless frame and a polished black wooden base: a classic Newton's cradle, scaled up. Lift one ball and let it fall, and the energy passes through the row and out the far side, over and over, for more than 40 seconds of swing. Release two and the pattern changes with them. It is the kind of desk object people pick up without really thinking about it.
At 7 by 4.6 by 7 inches with 0.9-inch balls, and weighing about 2 lb, it is large enough to read as a piece of decor rather than a trinket, and the ball alignment is accurate enough that the swing stays even instead of clattering itself out within seconds. The stainless steel frame and polished wooden base are built for daily handling on a desk, a shelf or a counter.
It works as an office accessory, something to reach for during a long call, or a teaching aid for conservation of momentum and energy in a classroom. It also makes a thoughtful gift for a colleague or a student.
Care tip: the balls hang on fishing line, so set them swinging along a straight line and the lines will not tangle. If they do, a little patience untangles them, and wiping the balls with a cloth restores a short swing. Safety note: the steel balls and lines are not a toy, so keep the cradle out of reach of young children and pets, and supervise any child using it.
- Balls: 5 polished steel, 0.9 in each
- Size: 7 x 4.6 x 7 in
- Weight: about 2 lb
- Frame: stainless steel
- Base: polished black wood
- Balls hang on: fishing line
- Swing time: over 40 seconds
- Uses: desk decor, office accessory, classroom teaching aid
