Which is TRUE when a current flows in the...

Question 1 of 2707066636ee928f7522a1c5194af

Which is TRUE when a current flows in the opposite direction to the waves?

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Question 1 of 27070

Q

Which is TRUE when a current flows in the opposite direction to the waves?

🔍 Key Concepts

• Effect of an opposing current on wave length and wave period • Relationship between wave speed, current, and apparent wave characteristics • How energy is concentrated when water motion is slowed by an adverse current

💭 Think About

• If waves are moving east and the current starts flowing strongly west, what happens to how closely spaced the wave crests appear? • When the water the waves are traveling through is slowed down by an opposite current, does that tend to stretch waves out or bunch them up? • If the waves get bunched up, what might happen to their steepness and height?

✅ Before You Answer

• Carefully compare what happens to wave length versus wave height in an opposing current • Think about whether an opposing current would make the distance between crests larger or smaller • Check which choice, if true, would make waves more dangerous to a small vessel in a strong opposing current