Which statement about seismic waves is TRUE?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

P waves travel faster than S waves, so they arrive at a seismic station before the S waves do. This difference in arrival times is used to determine the distance to the earthquake epicenter.

Note: A is incorrect because S waves cannot travel through liquids, including the outer core. C is incorrect because both P and S waves are observed in the shadow zones, but they are refracted and weakened. D is incorrect because P waves can travel through the outer core, but they are refracted and slowed down. E is incorrect because both P and S waves can be detected on the far side of the Earth, but they may be distorted or attenuated.

Which Statement About Seismic Waves Is TRUE