How do I simulate a Newton's cradle?

Open this page and use the live Strange Attractors tool below — set your inputs and the simulation runs instantly in your browser using real numerics. No install, no account needed.

Yes. The simulation runs free in your browser. A one-time unlock or a Pro plan adds advanced parameters, saved presets, data import, and clean exports.

Can I use my own numbers?

Absolutely — every input is adjustable, and with data import you can drive a Newton's cradle from your own measurements.

Use case · powered by Strange Attractors

Strange Attractors for a Newton's cradle

Simulate a Newton's cradle live in your browser. This runs the real Strange Attractors solver — adjust the inputs, watch it respond instantly, and export the result. No install, no account.

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Strange Attractor GalleryLive

3D chaos · drag to orbit

Controls

Five famous strange attractors in 3D. Tune the Lorenz constants, then drag to orbit around the chaos.

Presets

σ (sigma)

ρ (rho)

β (beta)

Integration points

▶ Run in Python

Data Inspector

AttractorLorenz

Points19,799

ρ (rho)28

TypeStrange / chaotic

Governing equation

\overset{x}{˙} \overset{y}{˙} \overset{z}{˙} = σ (y - x) = 10 (y - x) = x (ρ - z) - y = x (28 - z) - y = x y - β z = x y - 2.667 z

Reading this result: Classic Lorenz (ρ=28, σ=10): the trajectory orbits two lobes forever without ever repeating. Sensitive dependence on initial conditions means the tiniest nudge changes everything — the butterfly effect.

Runs locally in your browser — free forever. Scale to the cloud when reality gets heavy.

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About this simulation

The full Strange Attractors tool models a Newton's cradle with the same numerics engineers and scientists use — running entirely client-side. Change any parameter and the result updates in real time, so you can build intuition, check a design, or teach the concept without spreadsheets or installs.

More you can do with Strange Attractors

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Other ways to simulate a Newton's cradle

Particle / N-Body for a Newton's cradle Heat & Wave Fields for a Newton's cradle GPU Compute (WebGPU) for a Newton's cradle WebGPU Fluid for a Newton's cradle GPU N-Body for a Newton's cradle GPU PDE Solver for a Newton's cradle

Frequently asked questions

How do I simulate a Newton's cradle?: Open this page and use the live Strange Attractors tool below — set your inputs and the simulation runs instantly in your browser using real numerics. No install, no account needed.
Is it free?: Yes. The simulation runs free in your browser. A one-time unlock or a Pro plan adds advanced parameters, saved presets, data import, and clean exports.
Can I use my own numbers?: Absolutely — every input is adjustable, and with data import you can drive a Newton's cradle from your own measurements.