Final answer:
When waves approach a beach at an oblique angle, they undergo a phenomenon known as wave refraction in physics. The part of the wave closer to the shore slows down, while the part farther from the shore continues moving at a faster speed, causing the wave to change direction and align itself more parallel to the shore.
Step-by-step explanation:
When waves approach a beach at an oblique angle, they undergo a phenomenon known as wave refraction. This occurs because the part of the wave closer to the shore feels the bottom of the ocean floor and slows down, while the part of the wave farther from the shore remains in deeper water and continues moving at a faster speed.
As a result, the wave bends or changes direction as it approaches the beach, aligning itself more parallel to the shoreline. This is why waves appear to approach the beach at an angle.
For example, imagine a wave approaching a beach from the open ocean at an angle. The part of the wave closest to the shore reaches the shallow water first and begins to slow down. Meanwhile, the part of the wave farther from the shore is still in deeper water and continues moving at a faster speed. This difference in speed causes the wave to change direction and align itself more parallel to the shore.