Couple of physics questions i need help with?

Question

Well I have a lot of trouble explaining stuff related to physics so it would be really nice if someone can help me..
As water waves approach a beach, their wavelength decreases. If the frequency of the waves does not change what must be happening to their speed explain?

Water waves near the base of a cliff often possess greater amplitude than those out a bit farther from the base, why?

A creast moves through a point, in what ways is the motion of that point like the motion of a ball thrown straight upward?

As a transverse wave travels along a spring, where is the speed of the spring greatest? and least?

Answer 1

1)
The equation you need is
f = v*L
where f = frequency, v = velocity, and L = wavelength.

If the frequency doesn't change, but the wavelength decreases, the velocity must be increasing, according to that equation.

2)
Waves are reflected off solid objects like cliff faces. So, at a point near the cliff face, you have the original waves, plus the reflected waves, adding together. This can create constructive interference, increasing the amplitude (height of the waves).

3)
As a wave moves, the water itself merely goes up and down, not sideways. Only the wave energy goes sideways. So, you could say that the water goes up and down, just like a ball that is thrown goes up and down.

4)
The spring's speed is greatest where the spring is the most stretched out (furthest distance between coils).