Question

newtons 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. which type of force can decrease the total momentum of this system? (1 point) electrostatic force friction force magnetic force strong nuclear force

Explanation:

According to the law of conservation of momentum, the total momentum of a closed system remains constant if no external forces act on it. Friction is an external force that acts opposite to the direction of motion. It can dissipate energy and reduce the velocity of the balls, thereby decreasing the total momentum of the system. Electrostatic force, magnetic force (assuming no external magnets are introduced to disrupt the system in an unusual way), and strong nuclear force (which acts at very short distances within atomic nuclei and is not relevant in this macroscopic system of balls) do not typically act as the main forces to decrease the total momentum in the context of Newton's cradle as friction does.

Answer:

friction force