A particle of water in a wave moves in a circular orbit as the wave passes; the particle returns to its original position after the wave has passed.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This phenomenon is known as circular orbital motion and is a characteristic of water waves. The particles move in a circular path as the wave passes, but they do not actually move along with the wave. Instead, they return to their original position after the wave has passed.

A Particle of Water in a Wave Moves in a Circular