Step 1: In the case of natural open channel flow with a mobile bed, the degrees of freedom are determined based on the independent variables affecting the flow.
Step 2: The key variables that define the state of flow in such a system include:
Flow depth \( h \),
Velocity \( v \),
Bed elevation \( z \),
Sediment concentration \( c \).
Step 3: Since these four parameters can vary independently, the system has four degrees of freedom.
Conclusion: The correct answer is option (C), which states that the number of degrees of freedom for a natural open channel flow with a mobile bed is 4.