The phrase circular orbital motion refers to what type of water motion?
A. Deep ocean currents
B. Tidal flow
C. Wave action
D. Surface currents
my answer is c.
You are correct, although in fact the question is not very well phrased. Water particles in deep water waves (water depth greater than half a wavelength) describe circular orbital paths, decreasing exponentially in radius with depth. The particle velocity is up on the front (as any surfer knows), forward at the crest, down on the back, back in the trough.
Thanks!
The phrase "circular orbital motion" refers to wave action (Choice C). This type of water motion involves the circular movement of water particles as waves travel through the ocean or body of water.
The phrase "circular orbital motion" refers to wave action as the type of water motion. To arrive at this answer, let's break down the options and determine which one aligns with the concept of circular orbital motion.
A. Deep ocean currents: Deep ocean currents are large-scale flows of water that occur deep below the surface of the ocean. This movement is mainly influenced by factors such as temperature, salinity, and density. However, deep ocean currents do not typically exhibit circular orbital motion.
B. Tidal flow: Tidal flow refers to the movement of ocean water caused by the gravitational forces between the Earth, Moon, and Sun. Tidal currents generally follow a predictable back-and-forth motion as tides rise and fall, rather than circular orbital motion.
C. Wave action: Waves in the ocean are formed due to various factors such as wind, seismic activity, or gravitational forces. When waves move across the ocean's surface, the individual water particles follow an elliptical or circular orbital motion. Thus, circular orbital motion is most associated with wave action. Your answer of C is correct.
D. Surface currents: Surface currents are the horizontal movements of ocean water caused by a combination of wind, temperature, and Earth's rotation. While surface currents can exhibit some circular motion due to the Coriolis effect, circular orbital motion more specifically applies to waves rather than surface currents.
In summary, the correct answer is C. Wave action is the type of water motion that is associated with circular orbital motion.