Slinky Waves   

Students investigate properties of mechanical waves using a "slinky" spring: wavelength, speed, reflection, standing waves, interference.

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Required Equipment
Super Springy, Stopwatch, String, Masking Tape, Helical Spring

Acknowledgements: Thank you to Dwight "Buzz" Putnam for his assistance in developing this lab. Buzz is a 25 year veteran physics teacher at Whitesboro High School, New York Science Teacher of the Year and Host of the Regents Physics Answers television show on PBS. You can also find him refereeing high school basketball games as well as presenting at the NSTA National Conferences.

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Recommended quantity per lab group: 1

The "Masking Tape" required for this lab is readily available at your office or school supply store. Each lab group would need one roll or access to a roll.