Question

question 4 of 10 how do waves change as they approach the shore? a. the distance between crests decreases. b. the height decreases. c. friction along the top of the wave increases. d. the wavelength increases.

Explanation:

As waves approach the shore, the depth of water decreases. This causes the speed of the wave to slow down. Since the frequency of the wave remains constant, according to the wave - speed formula \(v = f\lambda\) (where \(v\) is wave speed, \(f\) is frequency and \(\lambda\) is wavelength), when \(v\) decreases, the wavelength \(\lambda\) decreases (distance between crests which is the wavelength). Also, the height of the wave increases due to the compression of the wave energy into a smaller horizontal space. Friction acts at the bottom of the wave due to interaction with the sea - bed, not at the top of the wave.

Answer:

A. The distance between crests decreases.