Displacement of a point on a progressive wave

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The discussion centers on the displacement of a point on a progressive wave, specifically addressing confusion about the sign of the displacement. The wave function is given as Ψ(x,k) = A sin(ωt - kx), indicating the wave travels to the right. The participant initially stated that the displacement Y would be negative before returning to equilibrium but questioned why it is positive instead. The conversation emphasizes understanding the direction of wave propagation and its effect on displacement. Clarifying the relationship between wave direction and displacement is crucial for grasping wave behavior.
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Homework Statement


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Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I wrote that Y will have a negative displacement, before returning to equilibrium. Why is Y's displacement positive instead?
 
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This wave traveling to "+" or right direction so the wave function is: ## \Psi(x,k) = A\sin(\omega{t} - kx) ##.
Simpler, imagine the wave curve traveling to the right.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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