Mission 2

What is the definition of a seismic wave?

• A wave of water caused by tides

• A wave of energy that travels through the Earth due to an earthquake or explosion

• A wave of sound in the air

• A wave of light from the sun

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Which type of seismic wave arrives first at a seismic station?

• Surface wave

• Primary wave (P-wave)

• Secondary wave (S-wave)

• Love wave

Which seismic wave can travel through both solids and liquids?

• Only S-waves

• Only P-waves

• Both P-waves and S-waves

• Neither P-waves nor S-waves

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Which of the following best describes the motion of particles in a P-wave?

• Side to side

• Up and down

• Back and forth in the direction of the wave

• Circular

Which statement correctly compares the speed of P-waves and S-waves?

• S-waves travel faster than P-waves

• P-waves travel faster than S-waves

• Both travel at the same speed

• Neither travels through the Earth

Why can’t S-waves travel through the Earth’s outer core?

• The outer core is too hot

• The outer core is liquid and S-waves cannot travel through liquids

• The outer core is too dense

• The outer core is made of gas

How do scientists use seismic waves to learn about the Earth’s interior?

• By measuring the color of the waves

• By studying how the waves change speed and direction as they travel through different layers

• By counting the number of waves

• By observing the waves with a telescope

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Which of the following is a key difference between P-waves and S-waves?

• P-waves are slower than S-waves

• S-waves can travel through liquids, P-waves cannot

• P-waves can travel through both solids and liquids, S-waves only through solids

• Both travel at the same speed

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

If a seismograph detects P-waves but not S-waves from an earthquake, what can you infer about the material the waves traveled through?

• The material is solid

• The material is liquid

• The material is gas

• The material is empty space

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Which property of seismic waves allows scientists to determine the boundaries between different layers inside the Earth?

• Their color

• Their speed and how they refract or reflect

• Their temperature

• Their smell

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5