What is the difference between P-waves and S-waves?

Answer 1

Their velocity (P-waves travel more quickly than S-waves) and their mode of propagation (the way they move through the earth). S-waves are transverse waves which move material from side to side (particle motion is normal to direction of travel) whereas P-waves are compression or longitudinal waves where particle motion is parallel to the direction of travel.

This means that P-waves can travel through solids, liquids and gasses whereas S-waves can only travel through solids.

Answer 2

Primary seismic waves and Secondary seismic waves. They both go through solid rock but only P waves go though gases and liquids, so P waves go through the mantle while S waves can't. P waves move faster than S waves so they are the first waves in an earthquake, they get to the surface first. But S waves do the most damage. S waves make an S shape.

Answer 3

P Waves, or Primary Waves, are the first waves to occur during an earthquake. They compress and expand the ground like an Accordion, if you will. S Waves, or Secondary Waves (not to be confused with Surface Waves), are the second waves to occur during an earthquake. These waves vibrate from side to side and up and down. While I'm here, I'll explain Surface Waves. Surface Waves are the third and final waves to occur during an earthquake. They move more slowly than P and S Waves but cause the most severe ground damage.

Answer 4

P-waves are faster than s-waves. Both can pass through solid rock, but only p-waves can pass through gases and liquids === ===

Answer 5

they are both seismic waves and they are body waves

Answer 6

p waves travel through solids and s waves travel through liquids

Answer 7

compare: they are both seismic waves

contrast: p-waves are small and fast, s-waves are big and slow

Answer 8

p-waves are transverse waves and s-waves travel more slowly.