Final answer:
OPTION D
As ocean waves reach shallower water and velocity decreases, the frequency remains the same and the wavelength decreases to adhere to the wave equation.
Step-by-step explanation:
As ocean waves approach shore, their velocity decreases due to the interaction with the shallower sea floor. However, the frequency of the waves does not change because it is determined by the original energy source that created the waves, such as wind or seismic activity, and it remains consistent. Instead, when the velocity decreases, the wavelength of the waves must also decrease to maintain the same frequency. This phenomenon is described by the wave equation v = f × λ, where v is the velocity, f is the frequency, and λ (lambda) is the wavelength. Consequently, if the wave velocity decreases and the frequency remains constant, the equation dictates that the wavelength must also decrease. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is D: frequency stays the same and wavelength decreases.