25.3.1. Primary Waves (P-Waves)

Try these first

1. 1.

   What type of wave are P-waves?

   Hint

   Think about how they move in relation to particle vibration.

2. 2.

   Name one medium through which P-waves can travel.

   Hint

   Consider the states of matter.

3. 3.

   What type of waves are the fastest seismic waves?

   • S-Waves
   • P-Waves
   • Surface Waves

   Hint

   Remember which wave arrives first at seismographs.

4. 4.

   True or False: P-waves can travel through both liquids and gases.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about how sound travels in different materials.

5. 5.

   If P-waves travel faster than S-waves, explain how this affects initial emergency response during an earthquake.

   Hint

   Consider how the time difference influences response times.

6. 6.

   Calculate the distance to a hypocentre given a P-wave arrival time of 5 seconds and an average speed of 8 km/s.

   Hint

   Use the fundamental formula for distance calculation.