1. Day 4 5-12-11 Topic: Snaky and Slinky Lab
Objective: To study wave reflection (bouncing back) and to calculate the speed of a wave
Science Starter: What type of wave is the Snake demonstrating?

2. Snaky /Slinky Lab Pre lab questions: What is a pulse?
How is the movement of a wave different from the motion of a moving object?
What does a wave do when it hits something solid like a wall?
4) Do all waves travel at the same speed?
5) What factors do you think affects the speed of a wave?

3. Snaky / Slinky Lab Snaky fixed free slinky Plastic Slinky 6m
Object of Wave
End Fixed or Free
Describe reflection
Time for reflection (sec)
Speed
(m/s)
12m
Snaky
fixed
free
slinky
Plastic
Slinky 6m

4. Conclusions Which snakey trial had the fastest speed and why?
Which was faster between the snakey and slinky and why.
Which was faster- the metal slinky or the plastic slinky and why.
What side did the reflection occur when the end was fixed? When the end was free?

5. There are two types of waves: 1. mechanical waves 2
There are two types of waves: 1. mechanical waves 2. electromagnetic waves
Mechanical waves are waves that can travel only through a material medium, such as water or air.
Electromagnetic wave – a type of wave consisting of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that move at the speed of light.