Final answer:
P-waves reach the surface of the Earth first during an earthquake.
Step-by-step explanation:
The waves that reach the surface of the Earth first during an earthquake are P-waves.
P-waves, also known as pressure waves, are the fastest seismic waves and can travel through solids, liquids, and gases. They move in a push-pull motion, like a slinky, and are the first waves to arrive at seismograph stations during an earthquake.