Question

In a slinky
A. Both transverse pulse as well as longitudinal pulse can be generated
B. Both types of pulse cannot be generated
C. Only a transverse pulse can be generated
D. Only a longitudinal pulse can be generated

Answer 1

Slinky is a toy which looks simpler in design, but it works on the principle of physics. Slinky is made by a helical spring which is compressed, and it follows the concept of Hooke’s law.

Complete step by step answer: The slinky can perform the various number of steps under the influence of gravity as it can stretch and again comes back. Slinky will not be able to change its position due to the presence of the resistance of motion when placed on the top of the stairs. When it starts to come down on the stairs, there is a conversion of the potential energy of the spring into its kinetic energy as a result of which motion takes place. The transfer of energy is similar as in the case of the sound wave, which travels on the slinky.

The coils of slinky move up-down by a considerable distance when we allow a wave to travel on it and motion of the slinky is the same as that of a wave. We can generate a transverse wave on a slinky when it is performing up and down motion, and back and forth when the motion given to the slinky is back and forward.

Therefore, we can say that both transverse pulse and longitudinal pulse can be generated in a slinky, and option (A) is correct.

Note: We have to consider both types of motion on the given slinky because transverse as well as longitudinal motion can be achieved that depends on the direction of application of path travelled by the wave.