Final answer:
The question pertains to the Physics domain, focusing on wave diffraction and its impact on boat protection within a harbor environment when waves pass through a rock barrier opening. Diffraction angles can be calculated using the wave optics principle to determine the areas of maximum protection inside the harbor.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question pertains to Physics, specifically the topic of wave optics and how structures like water breaks can influence wave patterns. In this scenario, the question is concerned with the diffraction of waves as they pass through an opening and how this phenomenon might protect boats from wave action. Ocean waves that are diffraction can bend around barriers and spread out as they encounter an opening. When a wave with a wavelength of 20.0 meters approaches a 50.0-meter-wide opening, diffraction occurs.
According to the principles of wave optics, the protection from wave action will depend on the spread of these diffracted waves. The maximum protection inside the harbor will be at positions where the diffracted waves spread out the most and consequently have the least energy. The angles to the incident direction at which this occurs can be calculated using the equation for diffraction minima (for destructive interference) sin (θ) = mλ, where d is the width of the opening, θ is the angle to the incident direction, m is the order of the minimum (an integer), and λ is the wavelength of the incident wave. By calculating diffraction angles for the first few minima, one can determine where the wave action is least inside the harbor, thus identifying where boats would be most protected.