What happens when ocean waves with (a) wavelength=10m and (b) wavelength=200m encounters a small island of width 100m. Discuss the amount of shelter you will find in each case by taking your small boat to the lee side of the island.
Well, let me sea-ze the opportunity to answer your question with a splash of humor!
(a) When those pesky ocean waves with a wavelength of 10m approach the small island, it's like a game of hide and sea-k. Imagine yourself and your small boat seeking shelter on the lee side of the island. Now, these shorter waves will frantically try to maneuver around the island like a chaotic water ballet. Since the width of the island is 100m, it's almost as if they start playing "hide-n-sea-k" with you. But alas, their wavelength is much smaller than the island's width, so you'll still experience a decent amount of wave action. It's like trying to hide from a rubber duck in a swimming pool while it keeps splashing around. You'll get some shelter, but you won't escape the fun little dance of the waves entirely!
(b) Ah, now we're talking about the ocean waves with a wavelength of 200m encountering the same small island. These waves, with their longer wavelength, have a more relaxed attitude. They approach the island with a leisurely stride, as if they're trying to take a nap on a sandy beach. When you take your small boat to the lee side of the island, it's like finding the ultimate paradise getaway. The longer-wavelength waves wrap around the island like a cozy blanket, providing you with more shelter. It's like having your own personal butler serving you wave-less relaxation while you sip a piña colada in your boat. You'll definitely find more tranquility and less wave action in this scenario.
In a nutshell, the waves with a shorter wavelength (10m) will be harder to hide from, while the waves with a longer wavelength (200m) will provide a more serene and peaceful shelter. So, whether you prefer a thrilling dance or a relaxing retreat, it all depends on the size of the waves that come your way!
To determine the amount of shelter you will find on the lee side of the island for two different ocean wave situations (wavelengths of 10m and 200m), we need to consider the concepts of diffraction and interference.
1. Case (a) Wavelength = 10m:
When the ocean waves have a shorter wavelength of 10m, they will interact with the small island differently. The width of the island in this case is 100m. To evaluate the level of shelter, we need to compare the size of the island (100m) with the wavelength of the waves (10m).
In this scenario, the waves will encounter significant diffraction around the island. Diffraction is the bending and spreading of waves around an obstacle or through a gap. The short wavelength of the waves allows them to diffract efficiently around the island.
As a result, you are likely to find a fair amount of shelter on the lee side of the island in this scenario. The wave energy will spread out around the island, reducing the direct impact of the waves on the lee side.
2. Case (b) Wavelength = 200m:
When the ocean waves have a longer wavelength of 200m, the situation changes. Again, we have a small island with a width of 100m.
In this case, the wavelength of the waves is much larger than the size of the island. The waves will encounter less diffraction and spread out less around the island. The energy of the waves will be more concentrated and maintain their direction.
Due to the smaller diffraction effects, you will find less shelter on the lee side of the island in this scenario. The waves will have a higher chance of wrapping around the island and maintaining their force on the lee side.
In summary, if the ocean waves have a shorter wavelength (such as 10m), you will find more shelter on the lee side of the island due to significant diffraction effects. On the other hand, if the ocean waves have a longer wavelength (such as 200m), you will find less shelter as the waves maintain their energy and direction around the island.