Consider the following statements: 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 statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following statements: 1. In a seismograph, P waves are recorded earlier than S waves. 2. In P waves, the individual particles … Which of the statements given above is/are correct? — UPSC Prelims 2023 Answer & Explanation

Science & Technology2023

Consider the following statements:

In a seismograph, P waves are recorded earlier than S
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 statements given above is/are correct?

Explanation

Both statements are correct and reflect fundamental principles of seismic wave behavior. P waves, or primary waves, are compressional waves that travel fastest through the Earth's interior, arriving first at a seismograph; this characteristic allows them to provide crucial information about the location and magnitude of an earthquake. In contrast, S waves, or secondary waves, move slower and involve vertical motion perpendicular to their direction of travel, indicating the different ways in which energy is transmitted through various geological materials, which is essential knowledge for understanding earthquake dynamics and predicting their effects.

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