Question

Which statement correctly compares seismic P-waves with seismic S-waves ?

A. P-waves travel faster than S-waves and do not pass through Earth's liquid zones.
B. P-waves travel slower than S-waves and dont not pass through Earth's Liquid zones.
C. P-waves travel slower than S-waves and pass through Earths liquid zones .
D. P-waves travel faster than S-waves and pass through Earth's liquid zones .

Answer 1

The answer is; D.

P-waves are compressional waves while S-waves are shear waves. P-waves are recorded first by seismographs before S-waves because they travel faster. The time difference in arrival between the P and S waves can be used to calculate the epicenter of an earthquake. S-waves are not able to be transmitted via liquid and gases, unline P-waves which pass through all media.