What is the difference between P waves and S waves?
Understand the Problem
The question asks for the differences between P waves and S waves, which are types of seismic waves generated during earthquakes. P waves (primary waves) are compression waves that travel faster and can move through solids, liquids, and gases, while S waves (secondary waves) are shear waves that only travel through solids and are slower than P waves. The user is likely interested in understanding the properties and behavior of these seismic waves.
Answer
P waves can travel through any media and travel faster, while S waves can only travel through solids.
The final answer is P waves can travel through any media and travel faster than S waves, while S waves can only travel through solids.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is P waves can travel through any media and travel faster than S waves, while S waves can only travel through solids.
More Information
P waves (primary waves) can travel through solids, liquids, and gases and are faster, being the first to arrive at seismographs during an earthquake. S waves (secondary waves) can only travel through solids and are slower, arriving second at seismographs.
Tips
A common mistake is thinking that both P waves and S waves can travel through all types of media. Remember, S waves cannot travel through liquids or gases.
Sources
- S waves and P waves - Study.com - study.com
- Seismic Waves and Determining Earth's Structure - University of Hawaii - manoa.hawaii.edu
- Body waves inside the earth - USGS - earthquake.usgs.gov
