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-PS4-2

Front

What are the two main types of seismic waves?

Back

The two main types of seismic waves are P waves (primary waves) and S waves (secondary waves).

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

What is the primary characteristic of P waves?

Back

P waves are compressional waves that can travel through solids, liquids, and gases.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

What is the primary characteristic of S waves?

Back

S waves are shear waves that can only travel through solids.

Front

What is the epicenter of an earthquake?

Back

The epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface directly above the location where an earthquake originates.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

Which type of seismic wave travels faster?

Back

P waves travel faster than S waves.

Front

What type of seismic wave causes the most damage during an earthquake?

Back

S waves typically cause the most damage during an earthquake.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

What is the focus of an earthquake?

Back

The focus is the point within the Earth where an earthquake originates.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

How do scientists determine the distance to an earthquake's epicenter?

Back

Scientists use the difference in arrival times of P waves and S waves at seismic stations to calculate the distance to the epicenter.

Front

What is a seismograph?

Back

A seismograph is an instrument that measures and records the motion of the ground during an earthquake.