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13 p.m.What is the approximate difference in arrival times of theP-waves and the S-waves at a seismographic station thatis 3,000 kilometers from an earthquake epicenter?

User ASX
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Final answer:

The difference in arrival times of P-waves and S-waves at a seismographic station 3,000 kilometers from an earthquake epicenter is approximately 333.33 seconds, calculated by using the travel speeds of each wave type.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is about determining the difference in arrival times of P-waves and S-waves at a seismographic station 3,000 kilometers from an earthquake epicenter. P-waves and S-waves travel through the earth at different speeds due to their different wave mechanics. P-waves, being longitudinal waves, travel faster than S-waves, which are transverse waves. To calculate the difference in arrival times for a station 3,000 kilometers away, one would use the travel speeds of each wave type provided.

Given that P-waves travel at 7.20 km/s and S-waves at 4.00 km/s:

  • Time taken for P-waves to travel 3,000 km: 3000 km / 7.20 km/s = 416.67 seconds
  • Time taken for S-waves to travel 3,000 km: 3000 km / 4.00 km/s = 750.00 seconds

The difference in arrival times between the P-waves and the S-waves: 750.00 seconds - 416.67 seconds = 333.33 seconds.

Therefore, the difference in arrival times of the P-waves and S-waves at a seismographic station 3,000 kilometers from an earthquake epicenter is approximately 333.33 seconds.

User Guitz
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