Question

A buoy is anchored to the ocean floor. A large wave approaches the buoy. How will the buoy move as the wave goes by?

Answer 1

When a large wave approaches a buoy that is anchored to the ocean floor, the buoy will be influenced by the passing wave but will not move away from its anchor point. The upward force exerted by the wave will cause the buoy to rise and fall with the passing wave, resulting in vertical motion.

As the wave crest passes the buoy, it will rise, and as the wave trough passes, it will fall. This vertical movement of the buoy is due to the buoyancy force exerted by the wave. However, the horizontal position of the buoy will remain unchanged, as it is securely anchored to the ocean floor.

It is important to note that the extent of the buoy's vertical motion will depend on the size and strength of the passing wave. Larger waves will result in greater upward and downward displacement of the buoy, while smaller waves will create less noticeable vertical movement.