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Why do waves rush to the shore even when the wind is in the opposite direction?
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
The waves reaching shore are generally independent of the local wind conditions; they originate far out to sea and have too much momentum for local winds to reverse their flow.
In general terms, winds on the open ocean generate waves because of the small amount of friction between the air and the surface of the water. The formation, combination, and propagation of those waves are functions of the wind speed, direction and (growing) height of the waves. Furthermore, the distance to land (called the "fetch") can allow, to a point, continued growth of the waves.
Upon approaching a shoreline, the accumulated momentum simply overwhelms the force of the wind blowing in the other direction. Even the strongest local winds, blowing offshore, cannot reverse the progress of the waves, though it can lead to spectacular instances of spray blowback as waves break.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
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What occurs when two or more waves overlap and combine?
They superpose. Energy of the waves are redistributed to form a resultant wave with amplitude given by the summation of individual wave's amplitude. If the two waves are of same frequency, speed and amplitude and travelling in opposite direction den stationary waves are form.
Why an electron does not enter the nucleus even though they are oppositely charged?
At a very rough guess the same reason we don't enter the sun even though gravity pulls us: The speed and direction of the electron is maintained while the opposite change has a strong enough magnetic effect to stop it from escaping.
Are waves created by tectonic plates?
Yes, and, no. Yes, waves are created by tectonic plates during an earthquake (When two or more tectonic plates rub together and make huge vibrations) and even cause tsunami waves. Waves are not formed when the plates are still, though.
What is being carried by sound waves?
Sound waves are carried throw the air. But sound waves can also travel throw liquids, such as water, and even through solids.
How does the amount of wind affect hurricane formation-?
Wind shear is one of the most critical factors in controlling or even destroying hurricane formation, the more wind, the more powerful the hurricane. Conversely, if the wind is blowing in the opposite direction of the hurricane, it can slow it down or destroy it.
How do waves even out the shoreline?
Waves even out a shoreline by eroding it.The waves coming to shore gradually change direction, as different parts of the wave begins to drag the bottom.The energy of the wave is concentrated on headlands, part of the shore that sticks out into the ocean.As waves erode the headlands the shoreline will eventually even out.Tee Hee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ___------ -/---- ----\/--- --- \------------ ---- --
Will an object move in the opposite direction when force is applied to it?
I don't even know
When Michelson and Morley measured the speed of light in various directiion they discovered that?
... its speed is the same in any direction, even if you're movingin that direction or in the direction opposite to it.
Which way do twin screw props on a boat rotate when propelling the boat forward?
In opposite direction, but they are designed to propel the boat forward even if they rotate in opposite directions.
What occurs when two or more waves overlap and combine?
They superpose. Energy of the waves are redistributed to form a resultant wave with amplitude given by the summation of individual wave's amplitude. If the two waves are of same frequency, speed and amplitude and travelling in opposite direction den stationary waves are form.
What wave has peaks and valleys?
All of them. Electromagnetic, sound, even a water wave until it hits shore.
Why are electromagnetic waves sometimes called transverse waves?
Because the theory is that this is what the form is. If it were a longitudinal or compressional form (such as sound) it would need to travel through a medium of some sort to compress the particles of that medium. But electromagnetic radiation can travel even in a vacuum.
What kind of waves does a light have?
The type of wave of a light wave is a transverse wave, like waves at the beach (surface waves). Transverse simply means that the motion of the wave is perpendicular to the direction of the wave. Simply put, if you're floating on the water, and a wave comes to you, the wave lifts you up, and then you drop back down as the wave passes. You are moving at a right angle to the direction that the wave is moving. This is why surfing is difficult, because you're trying to get it to push you, rather than simply lift you.Sound waves are longitudinal waves; they push particles in the same direction that they are moving in. Pressure waves from explosions are also longitudinal waves.
If a number is even then it's opposite is a whole number?
The opposite of an even number is an odd number.
What is a wave transfer?
It is not "transfer". it has to be " Transverse" wave. When the particles of the medium does vibrations simple harmonically perpendicular to the direction of motion of the wave then it is said to be transverse wave. Even electromagnetic wave too is a transverse wave as its electric and magnetic omponents are normal to the direction of propagation.
Can light waves diffract as any other waves?
Yes even sound waves diffract
What characteristic of waves increases as they hit the coastline?
Amplitude. The wavelength decreases accordingly. Waves travelling through deep water - even tsunami waves, can have a surprisingly low amplitude (height) of just a few cms, but a very low frequency and long wavelength. They can travel fast too. But as they come into shallower water the wavelength drops and as a consequence the amplitude rapidly increases, creating the much larger waves we see on the shore itself.
