Final answer:
The best description of a surface wave is that it occurs at the boundary of two different media, such as air and water. Part of the energy in a surface wave travels in transverse motion, distinguishing it from purely transverse or longitudinal waves.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that best describes a surface wave is 'It occurs at the boundary of two different mediums, such as air and water.' Surface waves combine characteristics of both transverse and longitudinal waves. They occur along the interface or boundary of two different media and have particles in the medium that move in a circular orbit, combining both perpendicular and parallel motion relative to the direction of wave propagation.
A transverse wave is characterized by oscillations that occur perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. In the case of surface waves, part of the energy travels in a transverse motion. An example of this is waves on the surface of the water, which are indeed surface waves. Consequently, the correct choice would be 'B. It occurs at the boundary of two different mediums, such as air and water.'
When a wave propagates in one direction while the medium is disturbed in a direction perpendicular to the wave, this disturbance is what classifies a transverse wave. Longitudinal waves are different in that their disturbance is parallel to the direction of propagation.