A long, stretched slinky is placed on a smooth horizontal floor. One student gives the free end of the slinky a quick sideways jerk, while another time the same student gives the free end a sudden push along the length of the slinky.
(i) Identify the type of wave set up in each case.
(ii) For each wave, describe clearly the direction of motion of the particles of the slinky relative to the direction of energy transfer.
(iii) Using a simple labelled sketch for each case, show the regions corresponding to crest & trough or compression & rarefaction, as applicable.
(iv) Explain, without using any mathematical equation, how the wave is able to transport energy along the slinky even though the individual turns of the slinky do not travel with the disturbance.
(v) State why such mechanical waves cannot be produced or propagated in outer space.