Slinky, Suspending Clamp

 

Code Number: 1R10.15

Demo Title: The Suspended Slinky

Condition: Good

Principle: Stress & Tension

Area of Study: Mechanics

Equipment: 

Slinky, Suspending Clamp.

Procedure:

Suspend the slinky vertically from the attached clamp.  Note that the upper coils of the spring are spaced farther apart than the lower coils due to the mass of the spring and the small tension between adjacent coils.

References:

  • Philip Gash, "Let Students Discover an Important Physical Property of a Slinky", TPT, Vol. 54, #7, Oct. 2016, p. 431.
  • A. P. French, "French Responds", TPT, Vol. 32, #6, Sept. 1994, p. 328.
  • Jerome W. Hosken, "A Slinky Error", TPT, Vol. 32, #6, Sept. 1994, p. 327.
  • A. P. French, "The Suspended Slinky - A Problem in Static Equilibrium", TPT, Vol. 32, #4, Apr. 1994, p. 244.
  • Barry Gilbert and Peter K. Glanz, "Springs: Distorted and Combined", TPT, Vol. 21, #7, Oct. 1983, p. 430.
  • T. W. Edwaards, R. A. Hultsch, "Mass Distribution and Frequencies of a Vertical Spring", AJP, Vol. 40, #3, Mar. 1972, p. 445.
  • Jodi and Roy McCullough, "Hooke's Law and Elastic Potential Energy with a Slinky", The Role of Toys in Teaching Physics", p. 4.22.
  • Robert Ehrlich, "3.7 Static Equilibrium of a Suspended Slinky", Why Toast Lands Jelly-Side Down, p. 53.