Which one or more of the following statements apply to earthquake S waves?
A) They are back-and-forth vibrations like sound waves.
B) They are transverse vibrations like waves in a taut string.
C) They travel in straight lines through the earth's interior.
D) They can pass through the earth's core.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

S waves are transverse vibrations, meaning they move particles perpendicular to the direction of travel. They cannot pass through the earth's core as it is liquid, making them useful for determining the internal structure of the Earth. However, they do not travel in straight lines as they are affected by changes in the earth's density, causing them to refract and reflect. A is incorrect because S waves do not move back and forth like sound waves. C is incorrect because S waves do not travel in straight lines. D is incorrect because S waves cannot pass through the earth's core.

Which One or More of the Following Statements Apply to Earthquake