Shive wave machine
Encyclopedia
A Shive wave machine is a device used to demonstrate wave
s and wave mechanics. The Shive wave machine consists of a set of evenly-spaced horizontal rods all attached to a square wire spine. Displacing a rod on one of the ends will cause a wave to propagate across the machine. The end of square wire can be clamped in order to demonstrate reflection
, or can be dampened.
The Shive wave machine is named after Dr. John N. Shive, who developed the device at Bell Labs
in the 1950s. Since most wave motion takes place at speeds which are difficult to view, the Shive wave machine was created to in order to demonstrate slower transverse wave
s.
Wave
In physics, a wave is a disturbance that travels through space and time, accompanied by the transfer of energy.Waves travel and the wave motion transfers energy from one point to another, often with no permanent displacement of the particles of the medium—that is, with little or no associated mass...
s and wave mechanics. The Shive wave machine consists of a set of evenly-spaced horizontal rods all attached to a square wire spine. Displacing a rod on one of the ends will cause a wave to propagate across the machine. The end of square wire can be clamped in order to demonstrate reflection
Reflection (physics)
Reflection is the change in direction of a wavefront at an interface between two differentmedia so that the wavefront returns into the medium from which it originated. Common examples include the reflection of light, sound and water waves...
, or can be dampened.
The Shive wave machine is named after Dr. John N. Shive, who developed the device at Bell Labs
Bell Labs
Bell Laboratories is the research and development subsidiary of the French-owned Alcatel-Lucent and previously of the American Telephone & Telegraph Company , half-owned through its Western Electric manufacturing subsidiary.Bell Laboratories operates its...
in the 1950s. Since most wave motion takes place at speeds which are difficult to view, the Shive wave machine was created to in order to demonstrate slower transverse wave
Transverse wave
A transverse wave is a moving wave that consists of oscillations occurring perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer...
s.