# Describe the differences between P-waves and S-waves produced by an earthquake.

> WJEC GCSE Physics (Wales) — 1.7 Seismic waves · Describe · 4 marks

> When an earthquake occurs, two types of seismic wave travel through the Earth. Seismologists record these waves at stations around the world.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. P-waves are longitudinal waves / S-waves are transverse waves
2. P-waves travel faster than S-waves
3. P-waves can travel through solids and liquids / S-waves can only travel through solids
4. S-waves do not reach the far side of the Earth (shadow zone) / P-waves can be detected on the opposite side of the Earth

## Key terms

- [P-waves](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/p-waves)
- [S-waves](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/s-waves)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC GCSE Physics (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-the-differences-between-p-waves-and-d3a9d985) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.