The buoy is moved several dozen meters toward the beach from its rest position by the wave, but the undertow of the water returns the buoy to its original position.

Question

The buoy is moved several dozen meters toward the beach from its rest position by the wave, but the undertow of the water returns the buoy to its original position.

The buoy is only minimally displaced from its resting position by the wave because waves transmit energy without transporting matter.
The buoy is only minimally displaced from its resting position by the wave because waves transmit energy without transporting matter.

The force of gravity holds the buoy in its original position, which offsets the tendency of the wave to carry the buoy toward the shore as the wave passes.
The force of gravity holds the buoy in its original position, which offsets the tendency of the wave to carry the buoy toward the shore as the wave passes.

Only tidal forces have the ability to move objects floating in the ocean toward or away from the shore, therefore the wave does not move the buoy.
Only tidal forces have the ability to move objects floating in the ocean toward or away from the shore, therefore the wave does not move the buoy.

Answer 1

The buoy remains in its original position as the wave energy passes underneath it, causing minimal displacement. The buoy is not moved significantly by the wave due to the balance of forces at play, including gravity and the undertow of the water. Tidal forces, rather than wave action, are responsible for moving objects in the ocean toward or away from the shore.