A long, loosely stretched slinky is laid out on a smooth floor. One end is vibrated to produce successive compressions that are 0.25m apart. The compressions pass a fixed mark on the floor 5 times every 2.0s.
(i) What physical quantity is represented by the 0.25m separation between successive compressions? Give its symbol and unit.
(ii) Calculate the frequency of the wave sent along the slinky.
(iii) Using your answers to parts (i) and (ii), determine the speed of the wave along the slinky.
(iv) With the help of a labelled sketch, explain how the particles of the slinky move as the disturbance travels, and why the slinky itself does not drift forward with the wave.
(v) Would the same wave be able to propagate if the slinky were removed and only empty space were present? Give a reason for your answer.