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Slinky

An example of modern marketing genius, the Slinky adds a creative and visually stunning twist to the common spring. Its stable, upright design has inspired millions of people to never look at stairs the same again. Please post any and all questions regarding the Slinky here, including those about its history, design, hazards, and popularity.

185 Questions

Were slinky toys used in World War 2?

Yes, slinky toys were used during World War II, primarily as a tool for military purposes. The U.S. Navy reportedly utilized slinkies to help stabilize equipment on ships, as the toy's unique coil design could absorb shock and vibrations. Additionally, slinkies were used to demonstrate principles of physics and mechanics to soldiers during training. However, their popularity as children's toys emerged more prominently in the post-war era.

When was slinky first introduced in the US?

The Slinky was first introduced in the United States in 1945. It was invented by Richard James, a naval engineer, who created the toy after observing a spring fall off a shelf and "walk" across the floor. The toy was initially marketed at Gimbels department store in Philadelphia during the Christmas season of that year, quickly becoming a popular children's toy.

Who is the commander of the NASA mission that first took took the slinky into space?

The commander of the NASA mission that first took a slinky into space was Captain John W. Young. He was the commander of the Gemini 10 mission in July 1966, where the slinky was used to demonstrate the effects of microgravity. The mission aimed to conduct various experiments and was notable for its contributions to space exploration.

What is some disadvantages of a slinky?

Some disadvantages of a slinky include its tendency to get tangled easily, which can make it frustrating to use. Additionally, its performance can be limited on uneven surfaces, affecting its ability to "walk" down stairs effectively. The metal version can also be heavy and may pose a safety risk if dropped, while the plastic version may not have the same durability. Finally, slinkies may not provide long-lasting entertainment, as their novelty can wear off quickly.

How much did a slinky-toy cost in 1962?

In 1962, a Slinky toy typically cost around $1.00. The Slinky, which was invented in the early 1940s, gained significant popularity in the 1960s, leading to its widespread availability and affordability. Adjusted for inflation, that price would be equivalent to about $8-$9 today.

How do you make the slinky walk not on stairs?

To make a slinky "walk" without stairs, you can hold one end of the slinky in one hand and the other end in the opposite hand. By gently moving your hands apart and together in a rhythmic motion, you can create a wave-like effect that allows the slinky to travel horizontally across a flat surface. Make sure to keep the motion smooth and controlled to maintain the slinky's balance.

What were the prices for a slinky in the 1940s?

In the 1940s, a Slinky typically sold for about 98 cents. This price made it an affordable toy for many families during that era. The Slinky was introduced in 1945 and quickly gained popularity, contributing to its wide availability at a modest price. Over the years, prices have varied with inflation and changes in production, but its initial cost was accessible for most consumers at the time.

What are slinkies made out of?

Slinkies are typically made from metal, specifically a type of spring steel, which gives them their characteristic flexibility and resilience. Some modern versions are made from plastic, offering a lighter and more colorful alternative. The choice of material affects the slinky's performance, such as its ability to "walk" down stairs and the sound it makes when in motion.

How slinkys climb down stairs?

Slinkys climb down stairs through a combination of gravitational force and the slinky's own elasticity. When a slinky is placed at the top of a staircase, the force of gravity pulls it downward, causing the coils to extend and compress as they descend. As the front end of the slinky drops down a step, the back end follows, creating a wave-like motion that allows it to "walk" down each step. This movement continues until the slinky reaches the bottom of the staircase.

What do you do with a slinky in a rain gutter?

You can use a slinky in a rain gutter to create a fun and interactive demonstration of physics principles, such as gravity and tension. By placing the slinky in the gutter and letting it slide down, you can observe how it moves and stretches, illustrating concepts like potential and kinetic energy. Additionally, it can serve as a playful way to engage kids in outdoor exploration and encourage curiosity about motion. Just be sure to supervise to prevent any potential mess or damage!

What is the slinky named after?

The Slinky is named after the Swedish word "slinky," which means "sleek" or "smooth." It was invented in the early 1940s by Richard James, who was experimenting with tension springs. The name reflects the toy's graceful movement and ability to "walk" down stairs in a smooth, fluid motion.

How many times would all slinkys sold circle the earth?

It would be a lot more. 2 meters per 300 million slinkies would be 600 million meters (or 600 thousand kilometers), with the earth's circumference being 40,075 kilometers (or 40075000 meters). The total amount of slinkies sold would wrap around the planet 14.9719276357 times.

How long is a slinky?

Oh, dude, a slinky is like, around 2.5 inches in diameter and 2.75 inches tall when compressed. But like, when you stretch it out, it can like, reach up to 87 feet long. So, it's like, short and stubby when it's chilling, but it can totally stretch out and do its thing when you give it some space.

How do you fix a stretched out slinky?

You can throw it away and buy a new one.

What mission number did first take a slinky toy into space?

The slinky toy was first taken into space on mission STS-51-F, which flew on July 29, 1985, as part of the space shuttle Challenger mission. The purpose of taking the slinky into space was to demonstrate fluid dynamics principles in microgravity.

What missoin number did bring the slinky in space?

The mission to bring a slinky to space was STS-121, part of the Space Shuttle program, launched in July 2006. The purpose was to show the effects of microgravity on the toy and its unique behavior in space.

When was the first toy slinky in space?

The first toy slinky in space was in 1985 aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery during the STS-51-D mission. The slinky was used by NASA astronaut, Jeff Hoffman, to demonstrate the effects of microgravity on the toy's behavior.

Are the compress ions found on the same location in the slinky before and after hitting the wall?

No, the compressions in the slinky will be in different locations before and after hitting the wall. When the slinky hits the wall, the compressions will shift due to the impact. This is because the energy of the impact will cause a disturbance in the arrangement of the coils.

What type of wave does a slinky make?

A slinky creates a longitudinal wave when it is stretched and released, causing a series of compressions and rarefactions to travel through the coils of the slinky. This type of wave involves vibrations parallel to the direction of energy transfer.

What happens to the slinky wave when it reaches the second person?

When a slinky wave reaches the second person, the wave is transmitted through the slinky to the second person. The person may feel the wave energy passing through the slinky, causing it to vibrate and potentially move.

Which one the seismic waves has been compared to a toy slinky?

The S-wave has been compared to a toy slinky because it moves in a side-to-side motion, similar to how a slinky moves when you shake one end. This type of wave can only travel through solid materials and is slower than P-waves.

How many rings does a slinky have?

A slinky typically has around 80 to 100 rings. The exact number can vary depending on the size and design of the slinky.

Which seismic wave is compared to a toy Slinky?

The S wave, or secondary wave, is often compared to a toy Slinky because both waves move in a back-and-forth motion perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. Just like a Slinky can be seen extending and contracting as it moves, S waves exhibit similar behavior as they travel through the Earth's interior.

How does the slinky toy behave as you move it up and above?

As you move a slinky toy up and then release it, the coils compress together due to gravity, causing the slinky to contract and move downward in a spring-like motion. The slinky will continue to bounce and oscillate until the internal energy dissipates.