How can i explain how Newton's Cradle (executive toy) works in light of the Law of Conservation of Momentum?

Question

How can i explain how Newton's Cradle (executive toy) works in light of the Law of Conservation of Momentum?

Answer 1

m1V1=m2V2

Let's say we have that toy with 5 balls. One moves the ball , say ball #1, on the left and lets it go. Ball #1 strikes the ball #2, then #2 transfers the momentum to #3 and so on when finally #5 has nothing to transfer its momentum to and bounces. Similarly if one would let go #1 and #2 at the same time and the #4 and #5 would move.