Physics Scope 11 Part 3

What are seismic waves?

• Electromagnetic waves generated by the sun

• Sound waves produced by volcanic eruptions

• Waves that travel only on the Earth's surface

• Vibrations that travel through Earth's interior

Which type of seismic wave arrives first at a location?

• S-waves

• P-waves

• Surface waves

• Rayleigh waves

What is the main difference between P-waves and S-waves?

• P-waves are slower than S-waves

• S-waves can travel through liquids

• P-waves are compressional, S-waves are transverse

• S-waves arrive before P-waves

Through which mediums can P-waves travel?

• Solids, liquids, and gases

• Only gases

• Only liquids

• Only solids

What do changes in the velocity of seismic waves indicate?

• The temperature of Earth's core

• The boundaries between different layers of Earth

• The density of Earth's atmosphere

• The presence of water in the Earth's crust

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