Classroom Activities

In addition to being a terrific toy, the Slinky is an excellent device for demonstrating various properties of physics.

The Slinky, like all objects, tends to resist change in its motion. Because of this inertia, if placed at the top of stairs it stays at rest. At this point it has potential or stored energy. But once it is started down the stairs and gravity affects it, the potential energy is converted to the energy of motion or kinetic energy and the Slinky gracefully tumbles coil by coil down the stairs.

Physical properties of the Slinky determine how quickly it moves under the influence of gravity. Although its movement may look simple, from a scientific point of view the motion is quite complex.

• Activity #1:  Racing Slinkys
• Activity #2:  Slinky Waves
• Activity #3:  Slinky and Centrifugal Force

Slinky Science | Engineers | Engineering Feats | Serendipity
Plastics | Activities

Last Updated: 02/16/03
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