An earthquake emits both P-waves and S-waves that travel at different speeds through the Earth.A P-wave travels at 9,000 m/s and an S-wave at 4,000 m/s.If P-waves are received at a seismic station 44.2 s before an S-wave arrives,how far is the station from the earthquake center?

A) 159 km
B) 636 km
C) 318 km
D) 122 km
E) 2,210 km

Question

An earthquake emits both P-waves and S-waves that travel at different speeds through the Earth.A P-wave travels at 9,000 m/s and an S-wave at 4,000 m/s.If P-waves are received at a seismic station 44.2 s before an S-wave arrives,how far is the station from the earthquake center?
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A) 159 km
B) 636 km
C) 318 km
D) 122 km
E) ​2,210 km

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Let's assume the distance to the earthquake center is 'd'.

Time taken by P-waves to travel the distance 'd' = d/9000 seconds
Time taken by S-waves to travel the distance 'd' = d/4000 seconds

Given, P-waves arrived 44.2 seconds before the S-wave, we can write:

d/9000 - d/4000 = 44.2

Simplifying the equation, we get:

d = 318 km

Therefore, the station is 318 km away from the earthquake center. Thus, the correct answer is option C (318 km).

An Earthquake Emits Both P-Waves and S-Waves That Travel at Different