Question

How is momentum conserved in a newtons cradle when one steel ball hits the other

Answer 1

In Newton's Cradle experiment we know that all cradles of same mass and identical to each other

Now we know that when two identical objects collide elastically then they interchange their velocity

So here we have same illustration

When Newton pulls up a cradle and release it will move hit another cradle which is at rest

Due to elastic collision between them first cradle comes to rest and another cradle will move ahead with same speed this process remains the same and one by one all cradle hit another.

So at the last the cradle at the end will move off with the same speed as the first cradle will hit with the speed.

So in this experiment the cradle at the last end will move off at same distance away from the right end as that of left end we pull the cradle.

So here we can say that in horizontal direction when all cradles are colliding each other there is no external force on the system so momentum is conserved and they all will move off with same speed and hence we observe the above condition.