Need help with questions about Waves on a spring

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the behavior of waves on a spring, specifically addressing wave speed, the impact of wave pulse size, and the effect of tension on wave velocity. It is established that wave velocity remains constant for a given medium, although particle velocity may vary. The size of the wave pulse does not directly affect wave speed, while increasing tension in the spring results in an increase in wave speed, as described by the formula for wave velocity in a spring. Understanding these concepts is crucial for accurately analyzing wave behavior in elastic media.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics
  • Familiarity with the concepts of tension in springs
  • Knowledge of wave velocity formulas
  • Basic principles of transverse waves
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the formula for wave velocity in a spring, specifically for transverse waves
  • Learn about the relationship between tension and wave speed in elastic materials
  • Explore the concept of particle velocity versus wave velocity
  • Investigate the effects of amplitude on wave characteristics
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on wave mechanics, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to wave behavior in springs.

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1. Does the speed of the wave change as it travels along the slinky? (Would this be yes? Because it should slow down as it reaches the end of a slinky right?)
2. Does the speed depend on the size of the wave pulse?
3. When you change the tension in the spring, does the wave speed change? (My teacher never really explained tension so I'm a bit lost)

I'm just really lost and these questions have to be turned in tomorrow. Thanks in advance.
 
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ksuh said:
1. Does the speed of the wave change as it travels along the slinky? (Would this be yes? Because it should slow down as it reaches the end of a slinky right?)

No wave velocity is constant for a given media. However your answer holds if you're discussing about particle velocity.

2. Does the speed depend on the size of the wave pulse?

Huh? Size of wave pulse means instantaneous vertical displacement or amplitude ?

3. When you change the tension in the spring, does the wave speed change? (My teacher never really explained tension so I'm a bit lost)

What is the formula relating to frequency and tension in a spring ? Does that involve wave velocity. Also what is the formula for wave velocity in a spring (transverse wave) ?

I'm just really lost and these questions have to be turned in tomorrow. Thanks in advance.
 

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