Longitudinal Pulses and Waves Concept

Demonstrations in Longitudinal Pulses and Waves

Metal slinky suspended by strings from a horizontal rod between two ring stands on a lecture bench, with one end clamped to the stand

Suspended Slinky Waves

A slinky suspended by strings across the lecture bench demonstrates longitudinal and transverse wave propagation, reflection from fixed and free ends, and how viewing angle affects wave visibility.
Plastic Slinky threaded on a meter stick between two bench clamp stands at eye level, in front of a chalkboard

Longitudinal Wave

Demonstrates longitudinal wave pulses in a Slinky, showing compressions and rarefactions traveling parallel to the wave direction. Helps students distinguish longitudinal from transverse waves and see that individual coils oscillate …
Three views of the air track compression wave apparatus: two wide shots showing the full track on a lecture bench with pucks and rubber bands, and a close-up of the air supply connection and support structure

Compression Wave Demonstration

Rubber-band-coupled pucks on an air track show longitudinal compression wave propagation and reflection in a discrete medium. Provides a visible analog to sound waves in air.