Question

what are the differences between p waves, s waves, and surface waves? view available hint(s)for part a surface waves are the fastest and have the highest amplitudes; s waves are the second-fastest and have the second-highest amplitudes; p waves are the slowest and have the lowest amplitudes.

Answer 1

P-waves are longitudinal waves that travel faster than S-waves. S-waves are transverse waves that travel slower than P-waves. Surface waves occur at the surface of the Earth and cause the most damage during an earthquake.

Step-by-step explanation:

The differences between P-waves, S-waves, and surface waves are:

1. P-waves are longitudinal waves that travel faster than S-waves. They can travel through both solid and liquid mediums. P-waves cause particles in the medium to vibrate in the same direction as the wave is traveling.
2. S-waves are transverse waves that travel slower than P-waves. They can only travel through solid mediums. S-waves cause particles in the medium to vibrate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.
3. Surface waves are slower than both P-waves and S-waves and only occur at the surface of the Earth. They have both sideways (horizontal) and up-and-down (vertical) motion, similar to waves on water. They cause the most damage during an earthquake.

Learn more about Seismic Waves