Concept Overview
Visualization of 3 different types of wave motion: Surface Waves (water waves), Longitudinal Waves (sound waves), and Transverse Waves (aether waves)
Lecturer Procedure
Step to Follow
Turn the crank on the back of the machine in a clockwise manner.
Expected Result
Dots will move to show the wave motion.
Note:
Wooden slats located on the pegs on top of the machine can be used to block types of waves that you would prefer students not see.
Historical References; Taken from updated work of Percy H. Carr, 1970, online at an unknown date by an unknown person
“The plaque on the front of this interesting old device says ‘Columbia Wave Machine. Devised by Dr. Charles Forbes, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.’ A partially-torn label on the back indicates it was patented. The machine depicts the motions of individual particles of a medium through which a wave is passing. Turning the crank in the back in one direction causes the waves to travel to the left, while turning it in the opposite direction causes them to travel to the right.
Viewers can see not only the motion of the particles as individuals but also the wave motion, the motion of the configuration. Wooden slats stored on pins on top of the machine can be mounted on pins on the front of the machine so as to hide any one type of display. In this way it is possible to cover up all action except for the type of wave under discussion.”
Video Demonstration
There are no spoken words with this recording.