How Does Material Change Affect Wave Speed in a Slinky?

AI Thread Summary
The speed of a wave in a slinky is affected by changes in material properties, such as tension and mass per unit length. When the slinky is stretched, the tension increases, which typically results in a higher wave speed. Conversely, stretching the slinky also alters its mass per unit length, which can influence the wave speed depending on the extent of the stretch. The relationship between wave speed, tension, and mass per unit length can be expressed using the formula v = √(T/μ), where v is wave speed, T is tension, and μ is mass per unit length. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for predicting wave behavior in different materials.
runicle
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The speed of a slinky

Questions:
i What happens to the speed of the wave if the material changes (ex. stretched)
ii What happens to the speed of a pulse is reflected off one end of the material.
 
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runicle, what's the formula for a speed of a wave on a string? Can you express it in terms of its mass per unit length and its tension?
So what happens to the tension and mass per unit length if the string is stretched?
 

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