Slinky Waves

A stretched slinky can be used to model both longitudinal and transverse waves. By pushing or flicking one end of the slinky, students can see how wave energy travels through the coils.

1. Stretch the slinky out across a long, smooth surface, making sure not to overstretch it.
2. Create a longitudinal wave by pushing one end of the slinky forward toward the other end.
3. Create a transverse wave by flicking one end of the slinky to the side.
4. Encourage students to notice how the wave travels along the slinky and the difference between the two types of waves.

Slinkys and Soundwaves - National Music Centre:

Transverse and Longitudinal Waves with a Slinky Spring - Animated Science:

📄 Experimenting with wave properties - APS: https://www.aps.org/learning-resources/slinkys

• Try stretching the slinky to different lengths to see how it affects wave speed.
• Send multiple waves at once to observe interference patterns.
• Use two people, one at each end, to create waves that travel toward each other.

• Avoid overstretching the slinky, as it can become permanently deformed.
• Ensure the area is clear of obstacles to prevent tripping.
• Keep fingers away from getting pinched between coils.

• What is the main difference between a longitudinal wave and a transverse wave? (In longitudinal waves, particles move parallel to the wave direction; in transverse waves, they move perpendicular.)
• How does stretching the slinky more or less change the wave behavior? (A more stretched slinky can transmit waves faster and more clearly.)
• Can two waves travel in opposite directions at the same time? (Yes, they can overlap and pass through each other.)