Concepts

Transverse waves, longitudinal waves

Overview

The slinky can be shaken to produce longitudinal and transverse waves.

Examples of longitudinal waves include sound waves and earthquake p-waves.

Examples of transverse waves include EM waves, water waves, and earthquake s-waves.

Details

Equipment

• [1] Slinky
  

Script

1. Ask for a volunteer to help hold the other end of the slinky.
2. Stretch the slinky over a table.
3. Shake the slinky from side-to-side to make transverse waves.
4. Hang the slinky vertically.
   
5. Push the slinky up and down to make longitudinal waves.
   

Additional Resources