Slinky LabSlinky Lab

PurposePurpose – To observe – To observe transverse and longitudinal transverse and longitudinal

waves and diagram the parts waves and diagram the parts of both types. of both types.

Stretch the slinky out along Stretch the slinky out along 44 floor floor tiles, one partner at each end. tiles, one partner at each end.

OneOne person create a wave pulse by person create a wave pulse by quickly moving the slinky to the right quickly moving the slinky to the right and left along and left along oneone floor tile. floor tile.

Observe and sketch the resulting Observe and sketch the resulting wave (with labels). wave (with labels).

Name this type of wave (HINT: Its Name this type of wave (HINT: Its name is not Fred).name is not Fred).

Make a wave with a higher Make a wave with a higher frequencyfrequency. . Sketch this wave, then describe HOW Sketch this wave, then describe HOW

you made it have a higher frequency. you made it have a higher frequency. Create a wave with a larger Create a wave with a larger

amplitudeamplitude. . Sketch this wave, then describe HOW Sketch this wave, then describe HOW

you made it have a higher amplitude.you made it have a higher amplitude.

Repeat all of the above steps with Repeat all of the above steps with the other type of wave.the other type of wave.