Question

Distinguish between P and S waves.

Answer 1

Answer:

P waves travel faster than S waves, and are the first waves recorded by a seismograph in the event of a disturbance. ... The S waves are the second wave to reach a seismic station measuring a disturbance. The difference in arrival times helps geologists determine the location of the earthquake

Answer 2

Explanation:

P waves -

P waves, or Primary waves, are the first waves to arrive at a seismograph. P waves are the fastest seismic waves and can move through solid, liquid or gas. They leave behind a trail of compressions and rarefactions on the medium they move through. P waves are also called Pressure waves for this reason. Certain animals, such as dogs, can feel the P waves much before an earthquake hits the crust (surface waves arrive). Humans can only feel the ramifications it has on the crust.

S waves -

S waves, or Secondary waves, are the second waves to arrive during an earthquake. They are much slower than P waves and can travel only through solids. It is after studying the trajectory of S waves through the layers of earth, scientists were able to conclude that the earth’s outer core is liquid.