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Suspended Slinky
Purpose
To show longitudinal and transverse traveling waves and standing waves.
Equipment
Suspended SLINKY on rack with motor.
Images
Description
Transverse or longitudinal pulses can be created by appropriate motion of your hand at one end of the SLINKY. Using your hand you can also create transverse standing waves and discuss the overtone series. Gently vibrating one end of the spring (either by hand or using the motor) at the appropriate frequency creates longitudinal standing waves.
References
T. W. Edwards and R. A. Hultsch, Mass Distribution and Frequencies of a Vertical Spring, AJP 40, 445-449 (1972).
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See pagesg1. simple harmonic motion
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See pagesg2. resonance & coupled oscillations
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See pagesg3. mechanical waves one dimensional
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See pagesg4. mechanical waves two dimensional
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See pagesg1. simple harmonic motion
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See pagesg2. resonance & coupled oscillations
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See pagesg3. mechanical waves one dimensional
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See pagesg4. mechanical waves two dimensional
Physics Lab Demos