Final answer:
The restoring force for most wind-generated waves is gravity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The restoring force for most wind-generated waves is gravity.
When wind blows across the surface of the water, it transfers some of its kinetic energy to the water, creating waves. These waves are then pulled downwards by gravity, which acts as the restoring force, bringing the wave back towards its equilibrium position. As a result, gravity is responsible for the oscillatory motion of wind-generated waves.
For example, when an object is thrown into the water, it will create ripples that spread outwards. These ripples are eventually pulled back downwards by gravity, causing the water to settle back to its original level.