The movement of water in a wave travels
A)with the wave.
B)in a circular path at and just below the water surface.
C)in a circular path at a depth of one-half the wavelength.
D)in both a longitudinal and circular path.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The movement of water in a wave travels in a circular path at and just below the water surface. This circular motion is responsible for the motion of floating objects on the surface of the water. The water particles move up and down in the wave, but they also move in a circular pattern. The size of the circle decreases with depth, until it becomes negligible at a depth of one-half the wavelength. However, the movement in the circular path dominates the movement of water in a wave.

The Movement of Water in a Wave Travels