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The water particles move in a circular motion. They swing forward and then back. The water itself does not really move to the shore. If that happened, the beach you would be on would be overflowing with water. The water particles just do a little jolt along with the wave. Then, they return to their original position.
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MaxineIn a wave, water molecules move in a circular motion. As the wave passes through, water molecules transfer energy by moving in orbits that decrease in diameter with increasing depth. This circular motion causes the water molecules to oscillate, but the overall movement of the wave is in the direction of energy propagation.
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How does water molecules move when wave passes?
When a wave passes through water, the water molecules themselves do not move horizontally with the wave. Instead, they move in a circular orbital motion as the wave passes, causing the up and down motion we see on the surface. The energy of the wave is what propagates through the water, not the actual water molecules moving in the direction of the wave.
Do water molecules move horizontally along with a wave?
No, water molecules in a wave don't move horizontally. In a wave, water molecules move in a circular motion, with energy being transferred through the water column in a vertical direction. The forward motion of a wave is due to the energy being transmitted through the water, rather than the actual movement of individual water molecules horizontally.
When a wave is on the surface of the ocean what direction do the molecules move in?
In an ocean wave, the water molecules move in a circular motion. As the wave passes through, water molecules move in an elliptical path, with no net forward movement. The energy of the wave is what is being transferred, not the water molecules themselves.
What moves forward in a water wave?
In a water wave, it is the energy that moves forward, causing the water molecules to oscillate in a circular motion. This energy is transmitted through the water but the water molecules themselves do not travel long distances.
Why does water in a wave move in a circle but not very far forward?
Water molecules in a wave move in circular orbits as the wave passes. The circular motion allows energy to be transferred along the wave, but the transfer of water molecules forward is minimal due to the circular motion cancelling out. This circular motion, in combination with wave refraction and stirring from wind, creates the overall movement pattern seen in waves.
