Earthquake P and S 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

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

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

• tsunami waves

• ground vibrations

• electromagnetic pulses

• variations in air pressure

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

NGSS.HS-PS4-5

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.HS-PS4-1

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

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.HS-ESS2-1

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

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1