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Physics Department

Location: 180-204
Phone: (805) 756-2448
Fax: (805) 756-2435
Email: physics@calpoly.edu
Chair: Jennifer Klay

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Physics 122 Week 6

Waves

Transverse and Longitudinal Pulses

Most students are familiar with Slinkys, but they may not know how well they can transmit a wave! Use a Slinky as a medium for both transverse and longitudinal wave pulses.

Transverse Wave Model

Show your students how the medium is displaced perpendicularly to the direction of energy propagation in a transverse wave by sliding a sine wave cut out into an array of beads. The cut out has whiteboard material on it so you can illustrate wave properties.

Transverse Waves with Rods

A transverse wave can be visualized by oscillating a rod. By sending two waves towards each other you can also demonstrate superposition. Different “add-ons” can be used to change boundary conditions or aid in creating standing waves.

Longitudinal Wave Pulses

Use the metal spring bars on either end of the suspended slinky to send a longitudinal wave pulse. If the weights on either end are adjusted to be at the same height, you can resonate the opposing spring bar.

Longitudinal Wave Model

Rotate the knob clockwise to begin oscillating the bars to model a longitudinal wave.

**Do not rotate the know the opposite direction**

Particles in a Longitudinal Wave

Magnetic “particles” are rolled towards each other to show how a compression wave propagates through a medium. **Level the track before use**

Sound Production

Tuning Forks and Xylophone Keys

Make sure to use a rubber mallet when striking the tuning forks, but you can drop the Xylophone keys on any surface to produce their tones.

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Disassembled Speaker

This speaker has been disassembled to better allow you to demonstrate how it produces sound waves.

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Doppler Effect 

Bloogle Tubes

When you swing these tubes in a circle the turbulent air inside begins to resonate. Increase your frequency to increase the sound's frequency. 

Doppler Shift Apparatus

Press the buzzer so that students can hear the resting frequency, then swing it around your head. The buzzer will remain engaged once in motion, and your students will hear the Doppler Effect at its finest!

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