What kind of motion should you impact to the nozzle of a garden hose so that the resulting stream of water approximates a sine curve?

Up and down.

To generate a stream of water from a garden hose that approximates a sine curve, you need to impart a specific kind of motion to the nozzle. Here's how you can achieve this:

1. Start with a straight, steady stream: Begin by turning on the water flow from the garden hose and adjust it until you have a straight, steady stream of water coming out of the nozzle.

2. Apply periodic oscillations: To create the desired sine curve-like motion, you need to introduce a periodic oscillation to the nozzle. This can be done by moving your hand or arm in a pattern that resembles a back-and-forth motion. Imagine your arm moving in a pendulum-like swing. You can achieve this by:

- Gradually moving your hand or arm side to side with a consistent rhythm.
- Keeping the amplitude of your arm's motion constant or gradually increasing it for a more pronounced curve.

3. Experiment with different frequencies and amplitudes: As you move your hand or arm, try adjusting the frequency and amplitude of the swinging motion. The frequency refers to how often you complete one full swing in a given time, while the amplitude determines the height or range of the oscillation.

- If you want a closer approximation to a sine curve, try to maintain a consistent frequency and avoid abrupt changes in the motion.
- Experiment with different amplitudes to find the sweet spot where the water stream resembles a sine curve.

4. Observe the water stream: As you move your hand or arm, observe the resulting water stream. Although it may not perfectly resemble a sine curve, with practice, you can achieve a visually similar pattern.

Keep in mind that the final result will depend on various factors, such as the water pressure and nozzle design. Experimentation and practice will help you refine your technique and attain a stream of water that approximates a sine curve.