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 following statement given above is/are correct:
Correct Answer: (c) both 1 and 2
Solution:Seismic waves are vibrations in the Earth that transmit energy and occur during seismic activity such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and even man-made explosions. There are two types of seismic waves, primary waves and secondary waves. Primary waves, also known as P waves or pressure waves, are longitudinal compression waves similar to the motion of a slinky. Thus, in P waves, the individual particles vibrate to and fro in the direction of wave propagation. P waves can travel through liquids, solids and gases. Secondary waves, or S waves which can only travel through solids, are slower than P waves and therefore, in a seismograph P waves are recorded earlier than S waves. The motion secondary waves is perpendicular to the direction of the travel, similar to the motion of vigorously shaking a Thus, in S waves, the particles vibrate up and down at angles of 90º to the direction of wave propagation. Hence, both statements are correct.