Question

which explanation best describes the development of a wave?
wind blows water along in one direction, thereby causing it to move great distances.
friction between the moving air and the underlying water imparts energy, which causes the water to move horizontally great distances.
friction between the moving air and the underlying water imparts energy, which causes the water to move in a circular motion, but the energy moves great distances.
the air mixes with the water to produce a wave.

Explanation:

When wind blows over water, the friction between the moving air and the water imparts energy. In deep - water waves (which are the most common type of wind - generated waves), water particles move in circular orbits. The wave energy can travel long distances. For example, in the open ocean, wind - generated waves can travel thousands of kilometers. The first option is incorrect because water in a wave (except in very shallow water) does not move great distances horizontally. The second option is wrong as water in deep - water waves does not move horizontally great distances. The fourth option is incorrect as air does not mix with water to form a wave in the sense described (waves are energy transfer, not a mixing of air and water in a chemical or physical combination sense).

Answer:

Friction between the moving air and the underlying water imparts energy, which causes the water to move in a circular motion, but the energy moves great distances.