Consider the following statements regarding the Propagation of Earthquake Waves:
1. The motion of the media in P waves is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.
2. S waves are slower than P waves.
3. P and S waves propagate in a solid medium.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Only one
Incorrect AnswerAll three
Incorrect AnswerExplanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: In the case of Swaves/shear waves, the particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the wave direction, and in the case of P-waves/ compressional waves, particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of the wave. Statement 2 is correct: S waves propagate slower than P waves because P waves are longitudinal waves and S waves are transverse waves. P waves apply a force in the direction of propagation. P-waves, because they move faster, are the first to arrive at the surface. Statement 3 is correct: S waves can travel only through solid materials, whereas Pwaves travel through all the mediumsgaseous, liquid, and solid.
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By: Parvesh Mehta