# Earthquakes produce two types of seismic wave: P-waves and S-waves. Describe the differences between P-waves and S-waves in terms of their nature, speed, and ability to travel through different materials.

> Eduqas A-Level Physics — 5.3 Electric and magnetic fields (A-Level only) · Describe · 5 marks

> Scientists use seismic waves produced by earthquakes to study the internal structure of the Earth. By monitoring which waves are detected at different points on the Earth's surface, scientists can draw conclusions about the materials that make up the Earth's interior.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. P-waves are longitudinal waves (oscillations parallel to direction of travel/energy transfer)
2. S-waves are transverse waves (oscillations perpendicular to direction of travel/energy transfer)
3. P-waves travel faster than S-waves
4. P-waves can travel through all mediums (solids, liquids and gases)
5. S-waves cannot travel through fluids (liquids or gases)

## Key terms

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

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/earthquakes-produce-two-types-of-seismic-be02558a) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.