Problem:

1. Use the 5 N spring scale to determine the mass of the Slinky®. Record the mass in Table 1.
2. Count the number of loops the Slinky® contains. Record this value in Table 1.
3. Calculate the mass per loop. Record this value in Table 1.
4. Use the distance marks for Procedure 1, give one end of the Slinky® to your partner, and stretch it on the ground along the marked 2 m distance. Record the length the Slinky® is stretched in Table 1. Try to hold as few of the coils at the end of the Slinky® as possible.
5. Use the stopwatch to measure the time it takes for one transverse wave to return after you send it down the Slinky®. Record the time it takes to make one round trip in Table 2.
6. Repeat Step 4 four more times.
7. After your last trial, take the spring scale and measure the tension in the Slinky® by hooking the spring scale on the end of the Slinky®. Record this value in Table 2
8. Now increase the tension by grabbing 20 coils and pulling them towards you.
9. Repeat Steps 4 and 6. Record these time values in Table 3. Be sure to hook all of the coils at the end of the Slinky® with the spring scale.

Post-Lab Questions

1. Describe how the speed of the waves were affected by changing the amplitude and frequency.
2. Compare the speed of the longitudinal waves to the speed of the transverse waves. Explain your answer.
3. Use data from Table 1 and Table 2 to calculate the average time it took for the wave to travel down and back. Use this time to calculate the average speed for the traveling wave on the Slinky® for both situations. Fill in Table 4 with your answers.
4. Calculate the wave speed using the formula for transverse waves. Fill in Table 4 with your answers.
5. Calculate a percent difference between your velocities and record them in Table 4.
6. Identify two sources of error in the experiment that could explain any percent difference.