Seismic waves — P waves recorded before S waves; P wave vs S wave particle vibration
Question
Consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1.
In a seismograph, P waves are recorded earlier than S waves.
- 2.
In P waves, the individual particles vibrate to and fro in the direction of wave propagation whereas in S waves, the particles vibrate up and down at right angles to the direction of wave propagation.
Options
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Both statements are correct. Primary (P) waves are compressional waves that travel the fastest, thus arriving earlier on the seismograph. P waves are longitudinal, vibrating particles parallel (to and fro) to propagation. Secondary (S) waves are shear waves, vibrating particles perpendicular (right angles) to propagation.
Answer: (c).
Question details
Year
2023
Paper
GS Paper 1
Question
Q65
Subject
Geography
Sub-topic
Geomorphology & Earth Science
Type
Statement-based
Difficulty
Easy
Nature
Static
Source hint
NCERT Geography Cl.11 Ch.3
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