Final answer:
Waves break in the surf zone because the interaction with the ocean floor slows down the bottom part of the wave, leading to steeper waves that eventually break. Superposition of waves can occur with different frequencies, and a pebble dropped in water is an example of a pulse wave.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that waves break in the surf zone because particle motion near the bottom of the wave is severely restricted is true. As waves approach the shore, the depth of water decreases leading to a phenomenon called shoaling, where the wave energy is compressed into a smaller volume of water, causing the waves to increase in height. Eventually, the bottom part of the wave interacts with the ocean floor, which slows it down due to friction. On the other hand, the top part of the wave continues to move at its original velocity, which causes the wave to become increasingly steep until it breaks.
Superposition of waves can occur regardless of whether the waves have the same or different frequencies. This principle means that when two or more waves meet, their amplitudes combine to produce a resultant wave, a concept known as constructive or destructive interference.
When a pebble is dropped in water, it creates a pulse wave, which is a single disturbance moving through a medium, transferring energy from one place to another. Therefore, that statement is true.