Question

What is the difference between p waves and s waves

Answer 1

Because of their wave movement, P waves travel through any kind of material, whether it is a solid, liquid or gas. On the other hand, S waves only move through solids and are stopped by liquids and gases. ... This also accounts why fewer S waves are recorded than P waves.

Answer 2

P waves :

• Travel faster than s waves.
• Travel through any kind of material .
• P waves are smaller than s waves.
• They are first waves to hit seismographs .
• P waves are compression waves .

S waves :

• Travel slower than p waves .
• Travel only through solid objects .
• s waves are larger than p waves .
• They are second waves to hit seismograph .
• s waves are shear waves.