Gaussian Linear Accelerator

What happens when you align powerful neodymium magnets on a linear rail and arrange steel balls in a sequence? A fun and intriguing demonstration of Newtonian physics. When properly arranged, a slow moving steel ball will be accelerated to 3-4 times its original speed by the pull of magnets and Newton’s Third Law of Motion. How is this possible? As a ball approaches the powerful magnet, it is accelerated into that magnet, but on the other side of the magnet there are two balls in a row. The impact of that ball kicks off the farthest ball on the other side just like Newton’s Cradle. The released ball however has the energy of the magnetic acceleration propelling it faster than the original ball. This is possible because it begins its journey already a ball away from the original magnet. When this motion happens four times in a row, there is enough velocity built up to shoot a ball across a room!

The 40-165 comes with 4 neodymium magnets, 4 magnet holders which allow the user to move the magnets and reverse their polarity towards one another. Ten 3/4″ steel balls, and a low friction track with an open end for launching the balls. This device can be used to teach magnetism, motion, Newton’s Laws, and can be used as a fun ball launcher for other experiments and demonstrations.