Newton’s Cradle
It seems that developer’s everywhere are now rushing to transform everything and anything they possibly find into an App for the iPhone and iPod Touch. One of these developers, Grant Hull, has done exactly that for another very popular ornament, Newton’s Cradle. The cradle, which has risen to become one of the most intriguing and popular scientific toys in history, is now transformed into an App, which is very appropriately called Newton’s Cradle.
I’m certain that anyone and everyone who is reading this post knows what Newton’s Cradle is, but just to refresh your memory, I’ll provide a brief description. Newton’s Cradle is a small ornament that contains 5 pendulums. It demonstrates the laws of physics, because when you swing one or more pendulums on one end, the force is transferred to the other end as well, and this creates a “cradling” effect. This App has just taken that concept, and moved into the iPhone and iPod Touch. Not only does it make use of Apple’s touch-screen technology to control the pendulums, but it also allows the use of the accelerometer to swing the cradle and add extra force.
This App is a very honest barrel of laughs for anyone who is even slightly interested in Science and Physics. While we wouldn’t call it the blockbuster success of the year, there is no doubt that this App is an occasional time passer for some people, and a god send for others who are bored at their desk. In light of it’s limited uses, however, we must award this App a satisfactory 3 out of 5 stars.
