Slinking Sounds

Sound waves are not like the waves you see on the water or the waves you make by swinging a rope. Sound travels in compression waves. Try this activity to find out what sound waves look like.

Activity

1.) Stretch a walking spring toy, such as the one in the picture, loosely across the surface of a table. 
2.) Have a friend hold the other end. 
3.) Quickly jerk your end straight toward your friend and back again. 

You should see a compression wave travel the length of the coil. This is what sound waves would look like if you could see them!