Seismic Waves

Front

What are seismic waves?

Back

Seismic waves are waves of energy that travel through the Earth, typically as a result of an earthquake or other geological activity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What are the two main types of seismic waves?

Back

The two main types of seismic waves are body waves (which include P-waves and S-waves) and surface waves.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

Front

What is the difference between P-waves and S-waves?

Back

P-waves (primary waves) are longitudinal waves that can travel through solids, liquids, and gases, while S-waves (secondary waves) are transverse waves that can only travel through solids.

Front

What is the Richter scale?

Back

The Richter scale is a logarithmic scale used to measure the magnitude of an earthquake based on the amplitude of seismic waves.

Front

What is the focus of an earthquake?

Back

The focus of an earthquake is the point within the Earth where the rocks begin to slip and rub against each other, causing seismic waves.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is the epicenter of an earthquake?

Back

The epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What type of wave is an S-wave?

Back

An S-wave is a transverse wave, meaning that the particle motion is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

Front

What type of wave is a P-wave?

Back

A P-wave is a longitudinal wave, meaning that the particle motion is parallel to the direction of wave propagation.

Front

What are surface waves?

Back

Surface waves are seismic waves that travel along the Earth's surface and typically cause the most damage during an earthquake.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A longitudinal wave is a type of wave in which the energy and the wave vibrate in the same direction.