Exploring the Science of Surfing Waves

What is the natural state of water called when it is flat and smooth?

• Gravitational Potential Energy

• Kinetic Energy

• Disturbance

• Equilibrium

What happens to the gravitational potential energy (GPE) of a rock when it is dropped into water?

• It disappears

• It remains the same

• It increases

• It is converted to kinetic energy

What is the primary cause of most ocean waves?

• Meteor impacts

• Wind

• Earthquakes

• Landslides

How do surfers use weather reports to predict wave conditions?

• By measuring the humidity

• By listening to buoy readings

• By checking the temperature

• By observing the sky

What is the term for waves caused by undersea earthquakes?

• Tidal waves

• Surging breakers

• Tsunamis

• Spilling breakers

What is the motion of water particles in a wave?

• Rectangular

• Circular

• Triangular

• Linear

What happens to a wave when it reaches water shallower than its wavelength?

• It stops

• It breaks

• It disappears

• It speeds up

What type of breakers are formed on a steep bottom slope?

• Tidal waves

• Plunging breakers

• Surging breakers

• Spilling breakers

What is the primary force that allows surfers to ride waves?

• Magnetism

• Gravity

• Buoyancy

• Wind

What is 'tow surfing'?

• Surfing with a sail

• Surfing with a motorboat

• Surfing with a parachute

• Surfing with a jet ski