Add to order
PURPOSE: To illustrate the dynamics of a SLINKY suspended from one end and released.
DESCRIPTION: A SLINKY is suspended from one end and released from rest. Q: What will happen when the SLINKY is released: (a) The bottom end will begin to accelerate upward as the entire SLINKY collapses, (b) The bottom end will begin to accelerate downward as the entire SLINKY collapses, or (c) The bottom end will remain instantaneously at rest as the SLINKY collapses? A: The bottom end will remain at rest until the entire SLINKY has collapsed, at which time it will begin to accelerate downward.
Click your mouse on the photograph above to view a neat slow motion mpeg video of the action.
Click your mouse here to see another version of the SLINKY drop. This one has a slightly different flaw in the fall near the end. A third, and earlier, version can be seen by clicking your mouse here. Because it happens rapidly, you may have to view the video frame-by-frame to verify that the bottom end will not move until the spring is totally collapsed. This one is free of the slight flaw in the falling that is seen in the other videos, and behaves more nearly according to theory as described above.
SUGGESTIONS:
See Question of the Week #9 for information on using this demonstration to enhance class involvement.
REFERENCES: Available. (PIRA 1G20.45)
EQUIPMENT: SLINKY.
SETUP TIME: 10 min.
