A slinky is a popular toy made of a flexible metal or plastic coil that can "walk" down stairs or slopes. When one end of the slinky is released, it moves in a wave-like motion, creating a fun visual effect. Slinkies come in various sizes and colors, making them appealing to children and adults alike. Invented in the early 1940s by Richard James, the slinky was originally designed as a tool for stabilizing sensitive ship instruments. However, it quickly became a beloved toy. Today, slinkies are often used in educational settings to demonstrate principles of physics, such as tension and gravity.