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What waves are refracted and what waves are absorbed by earth's outer core?
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
The sudden density change from the lower mantle to the outer core causes P-waves (compression or longitudinal waves) to be refracted and S-waves (shear or transverse waves) to be absorbed as the outer core is liquid and so cannot support the propagation of S-waves.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
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How do data seismic waves indicate that earths outer core is liquid?
Because since secondary waves cannot pass through liquids or solids, and the waves can't pass thruogh the outer core than that means that the outer core is not soild.
How does earths inner core affect seismic waves?
They go faster through the inner core than the liquid outer core
What does it mean when a seismic wave goes through the earths center?
Seismic waves that can pass through the centre of the Earth must be capable of travelling through liquids (as the outer core is molten). As such we know that these waves are longitudinal or compression waves.
Which conclusion based on the analysis of seismic data supports the inference that earths outer core is liquid?
there are convection currents in the upper core.
The seismic waves that travel through Earths interior are waves.?
body waves
Which wave is refracted by earths core?
Primary Waves(P-Waves)
What happens to light when its strikes an object?
The light waves can be reflected, absorbed, they can pass the object or be refracted.,
Which earths layer are S waves not transmitted?
S-waves are not transmitted through the outer core.
Surface Waves?
waves that travels only on the surface
Can sound be refracted?
yes, sound is a wave. waves can be refracted.
What is Refracted Wavefront?
Refracted Wavefront is the bending of the path of the waves, is accompanied by a change in speed and wavelength of the waves.
How do data seismic waves indicate that earths outer core is liquid?
Because since secondary waves cannot pass through liquids or solids, and the waves can't pass thruogh the outer core than that means that the outer core is not soild.
Do electromagnetic waves have to travel through matter?
EM waves travel through space between atoms, but are either; reflected, refracted or absorbed by physical matter when they collide. Gravity can also bend the path of EM wave travel.
What is the meaning of reflection relating to waves?
Refracted light.
What is the area where no seismic waves are detected called?
It is called the shadow zone, an area at an angle of between 104° and 140° from the axis of the epicenter, where the earth's liquid outer core has refracted the P-waves away from the direct line of travel.
Can sound refract?
yes, sound is a wave. waves can be refracted.
Why is s wave shadow zone larger than the p wave shadow zone?
In simple terms the shadow zone of the S-wave is larger because of the Earth's liquid outer core. The S-wave cannot travel through the liquid outer core but the P-waves get refracted at the boundary between the mantle and the outer core. This is why the S-wave shadow zone is larger than the P wave shadow zone. P waves are refracted at the liquid outer core of the Earth, while S waves are attenuated or stopped entirely. This allows P waves to go "around" the core and reach locations on the far side of the Earth that are within the shadow of the S waves. -- A P-wave is a longitudinal wave with an alternating stretching and compressing motion in the direction of propagation. An S wave is a transverse wave with a vertical motion perpendicular to the direction of propagation. The shadow zone of a P-wave exists from 105 to 143 degrees (epicentral distance). This is caused by P waves meeting the liquid outer core and being refracted. Part of the P wave is also reflected by the outer core and as a result of the two, a shadow zone exists. The shadow zone of an S-wave exists from 105 to 180 degrees (epicentral distance). S-waves cannot travel through liquids at all so rather than being refracted by the liquid outer core and traveling through it, they are totally reflected, resulting in a shadow zone from 105 to 180 degrees.
