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P waves (primary waves) are longitudinal or compressional waves. In solids, these waves generally travel almost twice as fast as S waves and can travel through any type of material. In air, these pressure waves take the form of sound waves, hence they travel at the speed of sound. Typical speeds are 330 m/s in air, 1450 m/s in water and about 5000 m/s in Granite.

S waves (secondary waves) are Transverse_waveversewaves or shear waves, which means that the ground is displaced perpendicularly to the direction of propagation. In the case of horizontally polarized S waves, the ground moves alternately to one side and then the other. S waves can travel only through solids, as fluids (liquids and gases) do not support shear stresses. Their speed is about 60% of that of P waves in a given material. S waves arrive second in a seismic station because of their slower speed.

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At what velocity do P-waves travel?

Typical values for P-wave velocities within the Earth are between 5 and 8 km/s.However the velocity is dependent on the elastic properties and density of the material through which the wave is travelling.The P-Wave velocity (VP) can be found using the following:VP = Sqrt((K+ (4/3 x G)) /P)Where:K = Bulk modulusG = Shear modulusP = DensityPlease see the related links for more information.


What is the P-wave velocity formula used to calculate the speed of seismic waves traveling through a medium?

The formula to calculate the speed of seismic waves, known as the P-wave velocity, is V D / T, where V is the velocity, D is the distance traveled by the wave, and T is the time it takes for the wave to travel that distance.


Which body waves is a longitudinal wave?

The primary body wave that is a longitudinal wave is the P wave. P waves are compressional waves that travel through solid and liquid materials by causing particles to move in the same direction of wave propagation.


What wave is expected to have the greatest wave speed?

A P-wave (primary wave) is expected to have the greatest wave speed among seismic waves, traveling through solids, liquids, and gases. P-waves are compressional waves that can travel through the Earth's interior with the highest velocity compared to other types of seismic waves.


What are seismic waves that moves rock particles at right angels to the direction of the wave?

P or Primary waves are longitudinal waves that move rock particles back and forth in the same direction that the wave travels.


What type of seismic wave that compresses and expands the ground?

Longitudinal Waves


What waves have the highest velocities in earthquakes?

Primary waves (P-waves) have the highest velocities in earthquakes, typically traveling at speeds of 6-7 kilometers per second through the Earth's interior. These waves are the fastest seismic waves and are the first to be recorded on seismographs during an earthquake.


Which seismic wave travels the slowest?

Surface waves, Secondary waves, Primary waves :) I had this as a science question in school a few weeks ago... hope this helps :) Oh whoops i didnt log in so i did it again.... :) :) :) :) :) :) :)


What type of wave is a P wave?

A P wave is a type of seismic wave that travels through the Earth's interior. It is a compressional wave, meaning the particles it passes through move in the same direction as the wave itself. P waves are the fastest seismic waves and are the first to be detected during an earthquake.


What happens to a p wave when it crosses the mantle to the core?

When a P wave travels from the mantle to the core, it gradually slows down and refracts due to the differences in material density and composition. As it enters the outer core, the P wave undergoes a sudden increase in velocity and refracts again. This change in velocity causes the P wave to travel along the boundary of the outer core, creating a shadow zone on the opposite side of the Earth where the wave is not detected by seismometers.


Which wave travels farther p-waves or s-waves?

P-waves travel farther than S-waves because they are faster and can pass through both solid and liquid materials. S-waves, on the other hand, are slower and can only travel through solid materials, so their range is more limited.


Is a P-wave a seismic wave?

Yes. P-waves are known as primary waves and are a compressional or longitudinal wave.