Question

Seismic waves occur as a result of an earthquake. Which statement describes a wave property that makes it possible for

scientists to locate the source of an earthquake?
A Waves move at the same speed in different materials.
B. The frequency of waves varies in different mediums.
C. The wavelength of a wave is measured from crest to crest.
D. Waves travel uniformly outward from the wave source.

Answer 1

Seismic waves, including both P-waves and S-waves, travel at different speeds through the Earth's crust. The time difference between P-waves and S-waves is used by scientists to locate the source of an earthquake.

Step-by-step explanation:

Seismic waves, which are essentially sound waves in Earth's crust produced by earthquakes, have both longitudinal (P-waves) and transverse (S-waves) components. The speed at which these waves travel depends on the rigidity of the medium they are traveling through.

P-waves travel faster than S-waves and get progressively farther ahead of them as they travel through the Earth's crust. Scientists use the time difference between P- and S-waves to determine the distance to the source of an earthquake, known as the epicenter.