Transverse waves and the movement of particles

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of particles in transverse waves, specifically addressing the movement of a particle in relation to the wave's direction. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the direction of particle movement compared to the wave's upward motion.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster questions the interpretation of "next instant of time" and its implications for particle movement. Other participants suggest visualizing the wave at a later time to clarify the position of the particle relative to the wave.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, exploring different interpretations of the wave's behavior and the particle's movement. Some guidance has been offered to help clarify the original poster's confusion.

Contextual Notes

The original poster references multiple sources that seem to provide conflicting information about the particle's movement, indicating a potential misunderstanding of wave mechanics or terminology.

NoIdea2015
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Homework Statement


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Alright, this problem has been driving me into a confused rage. The wave is moving in an upward direction so particle A should be moving up as well, right? But every single website I've used to study claims that it's moving in a downward direction. How?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


This might be way of the mark, but maybe the phrase "next instant of time" is throwing me off? Does that mean the next cycle or the next nanosecond or what?[/B]
 
Last edited:
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What happens if you draw the wave a short time later? Leave A where it is. Is A above or below the wave?
 
Ahh, alright that clears things up!
Thank you, Perok!
 

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