Human Oscillator

Interactive demonstration of wave motion. Popular demo! Classes Used: PHYS 101, 153, 341

Demonstrate wave propagation.

spring, weight, stand, brown paper (get 10-12 feet from stores), lab coats, goggles, gloves, tape (to mount paper to wall afterward), spray paint (in tool cupboard'more available upstairs in excess closet).

Set up: Set weight on spring on a stand. Have two students hold the paper at either end and walk slowly past the spring as third student carefully sprays the paper following the motion of the weight. Result is a nice sinusoidal wave. Can be used with a timer to carry out period and frequency calculations.

Lab coats and goggles are available to protect student clothing. Updated on: 06/19/13