Why Does a Transverse Wave Show Particle Movement Downwards?

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Transverse waves involve particle oscillation perpendicular to wave propagation, leading to confusion about the direction of particle movement at a specific time. The mark scheme indicates that particle P moves downwards at time 0.0s, which contradicts the initial assumption of upward movement. The question seeks to clarify the orientation of particle P on the wave at that moment. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the wave's snapshots and the relationship between the two curves depicted in the diagram. Clarifying these concepts is essential for resolving the confusion regarding particle movement in transverse waves.
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Homework Statement



Now I know transverse waves have their particles oscillation 90 degree to their propagation.So for this question shouldn't the particle movement be "Vertically upwards at time 0.0s" for P.That's what I thought but the mark scheme I have been given states "downwards".
I don't quite get it. http://img141.imageshack.us/i/39942835.png/"
Any help will be appreciated. =]

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Where would you locate particle P on the dotted curve "a short time later"?
 
Isn't the question asking for the orientation of the particle "P" on the bold line at 0.0s ?
Sorry I should have been more clearer in my OP.The question puzzling me is : 6 (b)(i)
 
ibysaiyan said:
Isn't the question asking for the orientation of the particle "P" on the bold line at 0.0s ?
Sorry I should have been more clearer in my OP.The question puzzling me is : 6 (b)(i)

The question is asking about the direction of travel of the particle at point P. The diagram depicts two snapshots of the wave separated by a short time interval.

So, where would you locate particle P on the dotted curve "a short time later"?
 
Oh dear I still don't get it...
 
ibysaiyan said:
Oh dear I still don't get it...

I'm not sure how to make it much clearer. Tell you what, why don't you explain, in your own words, what the two curves in the figure represent?
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
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