Seismic Waves

How do rock particles move during the passage of a Primary wave (P-waves) through the rock?

• the particles do not move

• in a rolling circular motion

• back and forth parallel to the direction of wave travel

• back and forth perpendicular to the direction of wave travel

Which of the following sequences correctly lists the different arrivals of the waves from first to the last?

• P waves → S waves → Surface waves

• Surface waves → P waves → S waves

• P waves → Surface waves → S waves

• S waves → P waves → Surface waves

What causes the up-and-down wiggles on the seismogram shown above?

• tsunami waves

• ground vibrations

• electromagnetic pulses

• variations in air pressure

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

Which set of waves are probably the surface waves?

• Wave A

• Wave B

• Wave C

• They are all surface waves.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

Which set of waves are the P waves?

• Wave A

• Wave B

• Wave C

• They are all P waves

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

Which set of waves are the S waves?

• Wave A

• Wave B

• Wave C

• They are all S waves

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Which of the following statements BEST describes secondary waves (S-waves)?

• circular motions like an ocean wave

• snake-like motions parallel to the Earth's surface

• contractions and expansions that are in the direction of wave propagation

• shearing motions that are at right angles to the direction of wave propagation

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

What is the useful information regarding the composition of the interior of the Earth can be derived from earthquake waves?

• It changes radioactive decay rates of rocks.

• It releases materials from within the Earth.

• It travels through the Earth at a constant speed.

• It travels at different rates through different materials.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Which layer of the Earth does S-waves do not travel?

• core

• crust

• mantle

• moho

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Which of the following earthquake waves can travel through both solids and fluids?

• P waves only

• S waves only

• Q-waves only

• Both P and S waves