3B25.67 - Culvert Whistlers

Code Number:
3B25.67
Demo Title:
Culvert Whistlers
Condition:
Excellent
Principle:
Culvert Whistlers
Area of Study:
Astronomy
Equipment:
Space Phone or Slinky.
Procedure:

See also 3B25.67 in Astronomy and 8A70.70 in Astronomy.

The "Space Phone" allows you to hear whistlers as the speed of sound transmission through the spring is wavelength dependant.  A long Slinky can also be used for this demonstration.

References:
  • Regis Barille, "Frequency vs. Time Representation of a Signal With a Smartphone and a Slide Whistle", TPT, Vol. 62, #6, Sept. 2024, p. 459.
  • C. L. Adler, K. Mita, and D. Phipps, "Quantitative Measurement of Acoustic Whistlers", AJP, Vol. 66, #7, July 1998, p. 607.
  • Frank S. Crawford, "Pulse Compression: Dechirping of Time-Reversed Slinky Whistlers", AJP, Vol. 59, #11, Nov. 1991, p. 1050.
  • Elizabeth A. Essex, "Comment on 'Culvert Whistlers Revisited' by F. S. Crawford [Am. J. Phys. 56, 752-754 (1988)]", AJP. Vol. 59, #2, Feb. 1991, p. 181.
  • Frank S. Crawford, "Culvert Whistlers Revisited", AJP, Vol. 56, # 8, Aug. 1988, p. 752. 
  • Frank S. Crawford, "Erratum : "Slinky Whistlers", AJP, Vol. 55, # 10, Oct. 1987, p. 952
  • Frank S. Crawford, "Slinky Whistlers", AJP, Vol. 55, # 2, Feb. 1987, p. 130.
  • S. C. Bloch, "Introduction to Chirp Concepts with a Cheap Chirp Radar", AJP, Vol. 41, #7, July 1973, p. 857.
  • Phillip M. Rinard, "Rayleigh, Echoes, Chirps, and Culverts", AJP,  Vol. 40, #6, June 1972, p. 923.
  • Frank S. Crawford, "Culvert Whistlers", AJP, Vol. 39, #6, June 1971, p. 610.
  • "160, Slinky Sound Off!",  Christopher P. Jargodzki and Franklin Potter,  Mad About Physics, p. 60, 204.
  • Jearl Walker, "3.77, Culvert Whistlers", The Flying Circus of Physics, p. 176.
  • Jearl Walker, "3.78, Slinky Whistlers", The Flying Circus of Physics, p. 176.

Disclaimer: These demonstrations are provided only for illustrative use by persons affiliated with The University of Iowa and only under the direction of a trained instructor or physicist.  The University of Iowa is not responsible for demonstrations performed by those using their own equipment or who choose to use this reference material for their own purpose.  The demonstrations included here are within the public domain and can be found in materials contained in libraries, bookstores, and through electronic sources.  Performing all or any portion of any of these demonstrations, with or without revisions not depicted here entails inherent risks.  These risks include, without limitation, bodily injury (and possibly death), including risks to health that may be temporary or permanent and that may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition; and property loss or damage.  Anyone performing any part of these demonstrations, even with revisions, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with them.