compound wave motion demonstration
Date: 1900-1950
Inventory Number: RS1338
Classification: Wave demonstration device
Subject:
Maker: American ?
Cultural Region:
Dimensions:
when mounted: 109 x 35 x 35 cm (42 15/16 x 13 3/4 x 13 3/4 in.)
Material:
Description:
Apparatus used for the demonstration of wave motion. It consists of silver and black balls attached in pairs on 19 rods. The latter are in turn attached at regular intervals to a suspension spring.
In Collection(s)
Signedunsigned
FunctionThis device is used to visualize several properties of waves. It would be hung from its ends, and then waves would be generated by making movements on one of the dumbbells. The waves would then propagate along the strip to the adjacent dumbbells. One can visualize several properties of waves such as superpositions, reflections, and different kinds of waves (torsional, transversal).
The different arrangements at the end of the metal strip indicate that this one was probably meant to be hung vertically.
A modern version of this demonstrational device is described at this MIT
website.
The different arrangements at the end of the metal strip indicate that this one was probably meant to be hung vertically.
A modern version of this demonstrational device is described at this MIT
website.