How do P-waves and S-waves differ?

Question

Maya Adams · Accepted Answer

they are both body wave types of seismic waves

seismic waves are of two kinds, Body and surface waves. Body waves are those which travel trough a rock body or the body of layer of earth. Surface waves are those which travel in between the interface of two layers of earth. P and S waves are types of body waves. they differ from each other in speed. P-waves are the fastest waves that travel inside earth and can travel in all mediums. S- waves cannot travel in fluids as they dont have shear force.

Nova Anderson · Answer

P waves and S waves differ in their characteristics and manner of travel

Primary waves or P waves travel the fastest. It also travels through solids, liquids, and gases. P waves are push and pull waves, thus causes the rock particles to move back and forth.

Refer to the picture: As the P waves travel, they push rock particles into the particles ahead of them and compress them. The rock particles then bounce back. They hit the particles behind them that are being pushed forward.

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WHILE

Secondary waves or S waves arrive at a given point after P waves. it does not travel as fast as P waves. It travels through solids but not to liquids and gases. S waves cause rock to move from side to side. The rock particles move at right angles to the direction of the waves.

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Benjamin Awad · Answer

undefined P-waves are primary waves that travel faster through solids and liquids, while S-waves are secondary waves that travel slower and only through solids. P-waves are longitudinal, while S-waves are transverse.