PURPOSE: To illustrate the dynamics of a SLINKY suspended from one end and released.

DESCRIPTION: A SLINKY is suspended from one end and released from rest. Q: What will happen when the SLINKY is released: (a) The bottom end will begin to accelerate upward as the entire SLINKY collapses, (b) The bottom end will begin to accelerate downward as the entire SLINKY collapses, or (c) The bottom end will remain instantaneously at rest as the SLINKY collapses? A: The bottom end will remain at rest until the entire SLINKY has collapsed, at which time it will begin to accelerate downward.

SUGGESTIONS:

REFERENCES: See Demonstration Reference File for a number of articles discussing this demonstration.

EQUIPMENT: SLINKY.

SETUP TIME: None.

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