Final answer:
Partial tides are smaller variations within the overall tide pattern, similar to how component waves are smaller waves within the larger sea waves.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of tides, the statement 'Partial tides are to actual tides as component waves are to the sea' means that partial tides are smaller variations within the overall tide pattern, similar to how component waves are smaller waves within the larger sea waves.
Partial tides are caused by factors such as the Moon, Sun, and the shape of the coastline, while actual tides are the overall rising and falling of sea levels caused by the combined effect of these factors.
Similarly, component waves are smaller waves that make up the overall sea waves, and just like partial tides, they can have different amplitudes and frequencies within the larger wave pattern.