Walnut Crusher

A teacher and his brother who worked at Bally's pinball division designed and built the walnut crusher as a prototype exhibit for the Lederman Science Center. The device uses electromagnets to accelerate one-inch steel bearings in oval tracks. The magnets are switched on and off by photodiode switches, which the ball triggers as it goes over each magnet.

Accelerated Particles: One-inch steel bearings

Accelerating Propellent: Switch-operated electromagnets

Detectors:

• Cameras: still or video
  
• Computer/calculator interfaces
  
• Sensors: force & photogates

Variables to Investigate

• Terminal speed
• Energy as a function of number of revolutions in the track
• Destructive energy in bearings of different energy
• Fixed-target or colliding mode

Safety: The tracks and collision area are under a sheet of clear plastic.

Problems—Limits to analogy:

• Cannot create particles more massive than the original.
  
• Cannot create particles from the accelerated bearings.

RATINGS Excellent Good Acceptable Marginal Yuk EASY CONSTRUCTION COST DRAMA QUANTITATIVE

RESOURCES AND CONTACTS Resources Contacts: Tom Jordan has one in his office.

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