We have studied two types of mechanical waves. Which wave’s motion can be illustrated by a slinky or spring?

1 answer

The wave motion that can be illustrated by a slinky or spring is a longitudinal wave. In a longitudinal wave, the particles of the medium move back and forth in the same direction as the wave travels. When you compress and release a slinky, you create areas of compression and rarefaction, demonstrating the movement of particles in a longitudinal wave. This is in contrast to transverse waves, where particles move perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation, as seen in waves on a string.