Chapter 17, Problem 1GST

To determine

To describe: The movement of a raft at rest that is beyond the surf zone and in the surf zone.

Answer to Problem 1GST

When the raft rests beyond the surf zone, it is affected by the circular orbital motion with more up and down motion than the forward motion. However, if it is at rest in the active surf zone where water proceeds to the shore, the raft will experience a forward motion than the up–down movement, and it moves close to the shore.

Explanation of Solution

Ocean waves represent the energy waves that are travelling along the interface between the ocean and atmosphere. Wind is the major driving force for the waves to travel several thousands of kilometers.

As a wave passes, water moves in a circle to transfer the energy. This circular motion is termed as circular orbital motion. Such a motion permits the forward movement of the wave through water during which the movement of the individual water particles transmitting the wave is in a circle.

An object resting beyond the surf zone will be affected by the circular orbital motion, and it advances with a more up and down motion and a less forward motion. However, if the object is still in the surf zone where the waves act turbulently moving the water toward the shore, the lateral or forward motion is more when compared to the up–down motion and the object; here, the raft moves toward the shore.