Calculating Epicenter

Front

What are the two main types of seismic waves?

Back

Primary waves (P-waves) and Secondary waves (S-waves).

Front

What is the primary characteristic of Primary waves (P-waves)?

Back

They are the fastest seismic waves and can travel through solids, liquids, and gases.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

What is the primary characteristic of Secondary waves (S-waves)?

Back

They are slower than P-waves and can only travel through solids.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

How can you identify S-waves on a seismogram?

Back

S-waves are typically represented by the second set of waves that arrive after P-waves.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

Front

How can you identify P-waves on a seismogram?

Back

P-waves are represented by the first set of waves that arrive on the seismogram.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

What is the significance of the S-P interval in seismology?

Back

The S-P interval helps determine the distance to the epicenter of an earthquake.

Front

If a seismic wave travels 600 kilometers in 61 seconds, what is its speed?

Back

The speed is approximately 9.84 kilometers per second.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Front

What is the formula to calculate the distance to the epicenter using the S-P interval?

Back

Distance = (S-P interval in seconds) x (average speed of S-waves).

Front

What is the average speed of P-waves in the Earth's crust?

Back

Approximately 6 kilometers per second.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

What is the average speed of S-waves in the Earth's crust?

Back

Approximately 3.5 kilometers per second.