Oscillating Wave Machine
Interactive educational device
This oscillating wave machine was created to help teach entry-level physics students about particle motion within a transverse wave. Transverse waves are characterized by their oscillators being perpendicular to the wave's advance. Because of this, instead of particles traveling in the direction of the waves advance, they travel vertically-- as if upon an oscillator.
Typical classroom wave oscillator machine
Build progression of machine
A 25-foot piece of tape was stretched across the room. Wooden skewers were then attached and served as oscillators for this machine. Foam balls were molded and added to the ends of each oscillator. Once complete, a push on one end of the machine causes a disturbance, resulting in a wavelike movement that travels across the entirety of the machine. This movement allows students to observe each particle's strictly vertical motion.
Final design of machine
