Bullet Vs Newton's Cradle At 100,000 Fps - The Slow Mo Guys

Introduction

In this article, we join the Slow-Mo Guys, Dan and Gab, on their adventure to unleash the power of a high-speed cannon. After a six-year hiatus, they rediscover their massive air pressure tank and decide to experiment with shooting three-quarter inch ball bearings through a Newton's Cradle. The goal? To capture the action in slow motion and see how the speedy projectiles interact with the iconic swinging balls.

Unveiling the Cannon

The Slow-Mo Guys unveil their impressive air pressure tank cannon, a contraption composed of an air pressure tank, a solenoid valve, and a long barrel designed to launch projectiles. Excited and slightly forgetful of their own creation, they load a three-quarter-inch ball bearing into the cannon and prepare for a thrilling experiment.

Newton's Cradle in the Line of Fire

With their high-speed camera, the Phantom TMX 7510, capturing all the action at 82,000 frames per second, the Slow-Mo Guys fire the ball bearing through the Newton's Cradle. They are eager to see what will happen when the ball bearing collides with the swinging balls. Will the last ball in the chain be sent flying or will the entire structure be annihilated?

Astonishing Results

The Slow-Mo Guys witness astonishing results as the ball bearing smashes into the Newton's Cradle. The first ball in the chain is immediately knocked off with an explosive force. Surprisingly, the second ball not only survives but is protected by the energy transfer to the next three balls, which are launched into the air. It's a captivating physics experiment, pushing the boundaries of what the Slow-Mo Guys expected.

Observing the Damage

Upon closer inspection, the Slow-Mo Guys examine the aftermath of the ball bearings' impact. The ball bearings have left visible marks and dents on the Newton's Cradle. The projectiles themselves have been flattened and cracked, showing the immense force behind their flight. It's a testament to the power generated by the high-speed cannon.

Taking It Up a Notch: Enter the Pistol

However, Dan and Gab feel the need to push the experiment even further. They introduce a pistol into the equation, firing bullets at the Newton's Cradle. Will the bullets provide more impact and destruction compared to the ball bearings?

The Pistol's Unexpected Outcome

To their surprise, the Slow-Mo Guys discover that the pistol doesn't have the same impact as the ball bearings. The bullets shatter upon impact, leaving the Newton's Cradle relatively unscathed. The dense and hard ball bearings outperform the bullets in terms of destructive power. It's a revelation that challenges their initial expectations and leads to a sense of astonishment.

Isaac Newton's Approval

Ultimately, the Slow-Mo Guys conclude their experiment with a renewed perspective on the power and force of high-speed projectiles. They believe that Isaac Newton would approve of their endeavor and the insights it provides into physics. Despite the unexpected results, their exploration of Newton's Cradle has shed light on the complex relationship between force, energy transfer, and motion.

Conclusion

Join the Slow-Mo Guys on their thrilling experiment with a high-speed cannon and witness the unexpected outcomes of their projectile launches. From ball bearings tearing through a Newton's Cradle to bullets shattering on impact, their journey showcases the remarkable forces at play. As they continue to unravel the mysteries of motion and physics, the Slow-Mo Guys leave us with a sense of curiosity and excitement for future explorations.