# Explain why S-waves cannot be detected on the opposite side of the Earth from an earthquake, whereas P-waves can.

> AQA GCSE Physics (8463) — 4.6.1 Waves in air, fluids and solids · Explain · 4 marks

> Seismic waves produced by earthquakes travel through the Earth. Scientists study which types of seismic wave are detected at different points on the Earth's surface to learn about the Earth's internal structure.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. P-waves are longitudinal and can travel through both solids and liquids
2. S-waves are transverse and can only travel through solids (not liquids)
3. The Earth's outer core is liquid
4. S-waves are blocked/cannot pass through the liquid outer core, so they do not reach the other side

## 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 AQA GCSE Physics (8463)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" 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/explain-why-s-waves-cannot-be-detected-209af7cf) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.