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

magnetic force
magnetic force

strong nuclear force
strong nuclear force

electrostatic force
electrostatic force

friction 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 kinetic energy into heat, which ultimately leads to a decrease in momentum over time.