PURPOSE: To demonstrate transverse traveling or standing
waves.
DESCRIPTION: Twp people hold the ends of a long stretched spring. Strike
the spring sharply with your hand to send a traveling pulse. If you handle the
spring correctly the phase of the pulse upon reflection can be observed. You can
create an inverted reflection or a non-inverted reflection by leaving the end open or
clamped.
Shake the end with various frequencies to illustrate transverse standing waves.
EQUIPMENT: Spring, as photographed.
Updated by Jun Qi in 3/24/2000