19.3. Seismic Waves

Try these first

1. 1.

   What are the two main types of seismic waves?

   Hint

   Think about how these waves travel.

2. 2.

   What type of waves are P waves?

   Hint

   Recall what makes them fast.

3. 3.

   What type of seismic wave can travel through solids, liquids, and gases?

   • Primary (P) Waves
   • Secondary (S) Waves
   • Surface Waves

   Hint

   Recall the properties of the seismic waves.

4. 4.

   True or False: S-waves can travel through liquids.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about the materials they can travel through.

5. 5.

   Given the characteristics of seismic waves, explain how engineers can design buildings to withstand different types of seismic waves.

   Hint

   Consider the properties of each wave type and material strengths.

6. 6.

   During a recent earthquake, an observer felt the P waves and then the S waves. Explain why the P waves were felt first and the potential reasons for the damage caused afterward.

   Hint

   Think about wave propagation and their impact on structures.