The Cochrane's Wave Machine Set Kit provides an inexpensive way to
demonstrate the theory of waves. Apart from the 'slinky' spring, the pieces are
supplied in kit form for the user to assemble, saving vital cash.
Demonstrations with this set are all concerned with mechanical vibrations,
however, all waves, mechanical, electromagnetic, water, etc., satisfy the same
wave equation and consequently have common wave properties - the understanding
of mechanical waves can be easily transferred to other non-mechanical waves.
The kit comprises: a transverse wave machine - 80 arms spaced on nylon
line with detachable weights; 2 loaded elastic cords - 3 metres of elastic cord
threaded with weights and spacers; an extension spring (like a slinky) with
weights; a teacher's book which describes the experiments and a booklet
written by Dr. Cyril Isenberg of Kent University.
- Transverse wave machine - 80 arms spaced on a nylon line
with detachable weights. This provides a demonstration of transverse wave
propagation in which the movements of the rods create the waves. The
machine demonstrates the superimposition of waves, amplitude and decay,
stationary waves, nodes and harmonics, reflection, transmission and solitons.
It is both visually attractive and easy to use - the waves are simply produced
by 2 students moving their hands -and provides an interactive
opportunity to add interest
- Two loaded elastic cords - 3 metres of elastic cord
threaded with weights and spacers. These illustrate transverse wave motion and
have the advantage that the effects of different wave parameters, such as the
mass per unit length, cell size and tension can be compared
- An extension spring (like a slinky) with weights. This
can be used for the propagation of both longitudinal and transverse waves
- Teacher's book which describes the experiments and gives
detailed quantitative analysis
- Booklet written by Dr. Cyril Isenberg of Kent
University
