Newton’s cradle is a contraption where metal balls hang from a frame. When one ball is pulled and released, the collision causes one ball on the opposite end to be released.

Question

Which type of force can decrease the total momentum of this system?

(1 point)
Responses

friction force
friction force

electrostatic force
electrostatic force

strong nuclear force
strong nuclear force

magnetic force

Answer 1

The type of force that can decrease the total momentum of the Newton's cradle system is the friction force.

Friction acts against the motion of the balls, converting some of the system's mechanical energy into thermal energy, thus leading to a decrease in momentum over time.

So, the correct answer is friction force.