Understanding Slinky Dynamics

Understanding Slinky Dynamics

Assessment

Interactive Video

Physics, Science

7th - 10th Grade

Hard

Created by

Aiden Montgomery

FREE Resource

The video explains the physics of a falling slinky. When a slinky is dropped, the bottom doesn't start falling until the entire slinky has collapsed. This is because each coil supports the weight of the coils below it, similar to a domino effect. The video also highlights the presence of a twisting wave that travels faster than the compression wave, causing the bottom to rotate before it falls.

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5 questions

Show all answers

1.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What happens to the bottom of a slinky when it is dropped?

It starts falling immediately.

It rotates and falls simultaneously.

It remains stationary until the entire slinky collapses.

It bounces upwards.

2.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Why does each coil of a slinky need the coil above it to collapse before it can fall?

Because the bottom coil is the heaviest.

Because the coils are glued together.

Because each coil is stretched to support the weight below.

Because each coil is heavier than the one above.

3.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

How is the behavior of a slinky similar to a row of dominoes?

Both are made of plastic.

Both fall at the same speed.

Both involve a chain reaction initiated from the top.

Both require an external force to start moving.

4.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What is observed about the bottom of the slinky before it starts falling?

It starts to bounce.

It begins to rotate.

It changes color.

It shrinks in size.

5.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Which wave travels faster through the slinky?

The light wave.

The compression wave.

The sound wave.

The twisting wave.