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Scientists discovered S and P waves through the study of earthquake waves. S waves (secondary waves) are slower and travel through solids only, while P waves (primary waves) are faster and travel through solids, liquids, and gases. These waves are used to determine the internal structure of the Earth's layers and to locate the epicenter of an earthquake.

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How are p and s waves used to determine the distance to an earthquake?

P waves travel faster than S waves and arrive at seismographs first. By measuring the time difference between the arrival of P and S waves at a seismograph station, scientists can calculate the distance of the earthquake epicenter from the station using the known speed of these waves through the Earth's interior.


Scientists use -------waves to find an earthquake epicenter?

Scientists use seismic waves to find an earthquake epicenter. By analyzing the arrival times of primary (P) and secondary (S) seismic waves at different seismic stations, scientists can triangulate the epicenter of the earthquake.


How do P and S waves help to locate the epicenter of an earthquake?

P and S waves are seismic waves that travel through the Earth's interior during an earthquake. P waves are faster and arrive at seismograph stations first, followed by the slower S waves. By measuring the time difference between the arrival of P and S waves at different seismograph stations, scientists can determine the distance from the epicenter of the earthquake. By triangulating this data from multiple stations, the exact location of the epicenter can be pinpointed.


Scientists on the side of Earth opposite the epicenter of an earthquake detect mainly?

Scientists on the side of Earth opposite the epicenter of an earthquake detect mainly secondary or S-waves, as primary or P-waves are unable to travel through the inner core of the Earth. S-waves are the slower of the two seismic waves and arrive after the initial P-wave, providing valuable information about the earthquake's location and magnitude.


Do surface waves move faster than P-waves or S-waves?

No, surface waves move slower than P-waves and S-waves. P-waves are the fastest seismic waves, followed by S-waves, and then surface waves. Surface waves travel along the Earth's surface and are responsible for the most damage during an earthquake.

Related Questions

How have scientists determined that the outer layer is liquid?

Seismic waves can be separated into basically two different types; S-waves and P-waves. P-waves are able to travel through liquid and solid, but S-waves can not travel through a liquid, they can only travel through a solid. When scientist "shoot" P and S-waves at the outer core, they detect the P-waves coming out the other side, but not the S-waves.


Can seismographs stations in Europe or Asia or anywhere in the world detect the P-wave or S-waves?

Yes, seismograph stations around the world can detect both P-waves and S-waves. P-waves are the fastest seismic waves and are typically detected first, followed by the slower S-waves. The ability of seismographs to detect these waves allows scientists to study and monitor earthquakes globally.


How did you discover that the outer core was liquid?

Scientists discovered that the outer core of the Earth is liquid by studying seismic waves generated by earthquakes. They observed that S waves do not travel through the outer core, indicating that it is liquid, while P waves do, suggesting that the inner core is solid. This finding led to the understanding of the Earth's layered structure.


Are P-waves and S-waves transverse or longitudinal waves?

P-waves are longitudinal and S-waves are transverse waves.


How are p and s waves used to determine the distance to an earthquake?

P waves travel faster than S waves and arrive at seismographs first. By measuring the time difference between the arrival of P and S waves at a seismograph station, scientists can calculate the distance of the earthquake epicenter from the station using the known speed of these waves through the Earth's interior.


Scientists use -------waves to find an earthquake epicenter?

Scientists use seismic waves to find an earthquake epicenter. By analyzing the arrival times of primary (P) and secondary (S) seismic waves at different seismic stations, scientists can triangulate the epicenter of the earthquake.


What type of seismic wave are P waves and S waves?

P and S waves are body waves.


How do P and S waves help to locate the epicenter of an earthquake?

P and S waves are seismic waves that travel through the Earth's interior during an earthquake. P waves are faster and arrive at seismograph stations first, followed by the slower S waves. By measuring the time difference between the arrival of P and S waves at different seismograph stations, scientists can determine the distance from the epicenter of the earthquake. By triangulating this data from multiple stations, the exact location of the epicenter can be pinpointed.


Scientists on the side of Earth opposite the epicenter of an earthquake detect mainly?

Scientists on the side of Earth opposite the epicenter of an earthquake detect mainly secondary or S-waves, as primary or P-waves are unable to travel through the inner core of the Earth. S-waves are the slower of the two seismic waves and arrive after the initial P-wave, providing valuable information about the earthquake's location and magnitude.


What do scientists use to calculate the distance from the seismograph station to the focus?

The diffrence in arrival times of P and S waves.


What two things do scientists use P and S waves for?

To determine the approximate location and the time the earthquake will occur.


What is the difference Between S waves P waves?

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