UPSC PRELIMS · GEOGRAPHY · GEOPHYSICS — SEISMIC WAVES

Consider the following statements : 1. In a seismograph, P waves are recorded earlier than S waves. 2. In P waves, the individual particles vibrate to and fro in the direction of wave propagation whereas in S waves, the particles vibrate up and down at right angles to the direction of wave propagation. Which of the statements given above ~sfare correct?

Take a breath. Choose one. Press A–D on your keyboard if you like.

EXPLANATION

P waves travel faster and arrive before S waves; P-wave particle motion is parallel to propagation while S-wave motion is perpendicular. Both are correct.

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