Slinky and Waves

This physical model presented by Jeffrey S. Barker, Associate Professor of Geophysics, Pennsylvania State University. Starting Point page organized by R.M. MacKay.

This material was originally created for Starting Point:Introductory Geology
and is replicated here as part of the SERC Pedagogic Service.

This activity is part of the On the Cutting Edge Peer Reviewed Teaching Activities collection. (view details)

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Initial Publication Date: January 17, 2006 | Reviewed: June 13, 2012 (see revision history: 2 events)

Summary

Use a Slinky in interactive lecture demonstration to show:

P and S waves.
Wave reflection.
Standing waves.

Rheology/Behavior of Materials, Physical , Wave Motion | College Introductory

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Learning Goals

Learn about and visualize:

Discuss P and S waves
Wave reflection from higher and lower density media;
Standing waves.

Context for Use

Use in an introductory geoscience course where wave properties are important. Examples of such courses include Geology, Oceanography, or Atmospheric Sciences.