Activity 2: Waves on a Slinky! Objectives: To investigate properties of waves using a slinky as a model Materials: long coil spring (slinky) stopwatch meter stick Procedure: 1. Look for a partner from your family member. 2. You will need a clear path of about 6 meters for this activity. 3. Slowly stretch the slinky to 2 meters. 4. Grip the slinky firmly with one hand for the entire activity. 5. It is easier to see the motion of the slinky if you are near one end. Do not watch from the side. 6. As the pulses die out, they can still be felt. Trust your feelings! 7. This activity is a sensual experience. You and your partner should take some time on the end of the slinky. 8. Notice how many times the pulse will move back and forth on the slinky. 9. Look closely at the questions in the observation section. Try to design and conduct an experiment by moving the slinky in different manner to answer each question. Observations and Data 1. What happens to (a) the amplitude of a wave as it travels and (b) the speed of a wave as it travels? 2. Does the speed depend on the amplitude? 3. Put 2 quick pulses into the slinky. The distance between pulses is called 2. Does A change as the pulses move? 4. What can you do to decrease the value of X? 5. Do pulses bounce off each other or pass through? Analysis 1. You probably used transverse waves for this activity. Should your answers be accurate for pressure (longitudinal) waves? What are the results? Explain your answer. Note: Check your answers for steps 1-3 applying the motion for pressure waves.2. Use the slinky to find out how longitudinal waves different with transverse waves. Use the template below in comparing the waves. Longitudinal Wave Transverse Wave Examples Direction Speed Wavelength Period Wave Number