Transverse wave

HOW

1. Create transverse waves in a bar system using an excitation mechanism.
2. Apply the mechanism at different frequencies and observe the behaviour of the bars.

WHY

Each successive bar that swings out of its equilibrium position interacts with the ropes to which it is attached. The ropes in turn interact with the subsequent bars, inducing them to swing.

The initial disturbance in the system propagates as a wave. It is a transverse wave because the deflections of the bars are perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.