Earthquakes generate two types of waves, which travel through the earth: (1) pri

Question

Earthquakes generate two types of waves, which travel through the earth: (1) primary, or P, waves are longitudinal pressure waves that have the greater speed (about 5 km/s in the crust) and are therefore the first to be felt at some distance from the center of the earthquake, and (2) secondary, or S, waves are transverse, shear waves that are somewhat slower (v  3 km/s). The location of the earthquake can be determined by recording the arrival times for these waves on seismographs at various locations. Suppose an S wave is recorded 2 min after a P wave. About how far away from the seismograph is the earthquake

Explanation / Answer

Suppose the epicentre is x km away. For the transverse waves, x = (3)(t+2). For the longitudinal waves, x = (5)(t ). Find x now by 5t= 3t +6 t= 3s x=15km

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