Transverse and Longitudinal STEM Lab
Product Code : SCL-ES-12520
Quick Answer: The Transverse and Longitudinal STEM Lab is a hand-cranked wave demonstrator with two modules: a cam-driven row of vertical rods for transverse waves and a tempered steel helical spring for longitudinal waves. A centimetre scale lets students measure what they see.
Last updated: October 2026
Key Features
- Eccentric cam-driven array of high-contrast vertical rods for transverse waves
- Tempered steel helical wave spring for compressions and rarefactions
- Manual crank drive
- Anodised aluminium rails with polymer end caps
- Integrated centimetre scale with adjustable reference sliders
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Apparatus type | Dual-action mechanical wave demonstrator |
| Transverse module | Eccentric cam-driven vertical rod array |
| Longitudinal module | Tempered steel helical wave spring |
| Frame | Anodised aluminium rails, polymer end caps |
| Scale | Centimetre scale with adjustable reference sliders |
| Drive | Manual crank |
About This Product
Turning the crank slowly makes each rod move only up and down while the wave pattern travels along the row, showing that the medium oscillates at right angles to the energy flow. Stopping the crank lets students measure crest-to-crest wavelength and amplitude on the scale. The spring module then shows particles moving back and forth along the direction of travel, as in sound and seismic P-waves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the two modules?
In the rod module the rods move at right angles to the direction the wave travels (transverse). In the spring module the coils move back and forth along the direction of travel, forming compressions and rarefactions (longitudinal).
How is wavelength measured on this apparatus?
Stop the crank and use the built-in centimetre scale to measure from one crest to the next.
Related: Electrostatics & Sound and Transverse Wave Pendulum STEM Lab.
For a quotation on the Transverse and Longitudinal STEM Lab, contact Educational Instrument.
