S Waves and P Waves

Which statement best explains why the P-wave of an earthquake arrives at a seismic station before the S-wave?

• The S wave originates from the earthquake focus.

• The P wave has a greater velocity than the S wave.

• The P wave originates from the earthquake epicenter.

• The S wave decreases in velocity as it passes through the liquid.

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

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.MS-ESS3-2

Which set of waves are the P waves?

• Wave A

• Wave B

• Wave C

• They are all P waves

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Which set of waves are the S waves?

• Wave A

• Wave B

• Wave C

• They are all S waves

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

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

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.MS-ESS3-2

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

• core

• crust

• mantle

• moho

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Which type of seismic wave travels faster through the Earth?

• P Waves

• S Waves

• Surface Waves

• Love Waves