Question

an earthquake occurs 5000 km away from san jose. how much time will pass before the earthquake is detected at a seismic recording station

Answer 1

Answer: it would take approximately 13.89 minutes for the P-waves and 23.81 minutes for the S-waves to reach the seismic recording station in San Jose after the earthquake occurs 5000 km away.

Step-by-step explanation:

For P-waves:

Distance = Speed x Time

Time = Distance / Speed

Time = 5000 km / 6 km/s

Time ≈ 833.33 seconds ≈ 13.89 minutes

For S-waves:

Distance = Speed x Time

Time = Distance / Speed

Time = 5000 km / 3.5 km/s

Time ≈ 1428.57 seconds ≈ 23.81 minutes