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With reference to the propagation of seismic waves in the interior of the Earth, consider the following statements:
  1. The direction of propagation of the waves changes across materials with different densities.
  2. P-waves cannot travel through the core.
  3. The shadow zone of S-waves is larger than that of P-waves.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    1 and 3 only
  • d)
    1, 2 and 3 
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
With reference to the propagation of seismic waves in the interior of ...
Explanation:

Seismic waves are waves of energy that travel through the Earth's layers, including the crust, mantle, and core. These waves are generated by earthquakes and other sources of energy release in the Earth's interior.

1. The direction of propagation of the waves changes across materials with different densities:
This statement is correct. Seismic waves can change their direction of propagation when they encounter materials with different densities. When seismic waves pass from one material to another, such as from the crust to the mantle or from the mantle to the core, they can refract (bend) or reflect (bounce back) due to the change in density. This change in direction is due to the change in the speed of the waves, as the speed of seismic waves is influenced by the density of the material through which they are traveling.

2. P-waves cannot travel through the core:
This statement is incorrect. P-waves, also known as primary waves or compressional waves, can travel through both solid and liquid materials, including the Earth's core. P-waves are characterized by their ability to compress and expand the material in the direction of wave propagation. While P-waves do experience changes in speed and direction as they pass through different materials, they can still propagate through the core, albeit with some modifications.

3. The shadow zone of S-waves is larger than that of P-waves:
This statement is correct. S-waves, also known as secondary waves or shear waves, cannot travel through liquids. As a result, when S-waves encounter the liquid outer core of the Earth, they are not transmitted and create a shadow zone on the opposite side of the Earth from the earthquake source. This shadow zone is an area where no S-waves are detected. In contrast, P-waves can travel through both solids and liquids, so their shadow zone is smaller compared to that of S-waves.

Conclusion:
Based on the explanations above, it can be concluded that statements 1 and 3 are correct. Therefore, the correct answer is option C) 1 and 3 only.
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Community Answer
With reference to the propagation of seismic waves in the interior of ...
  • The science of earthquakes is known as seismology and the pieces of evidence based on earthquake waves are known as seismological evidence. This evidence provides information about the interior of the Earth. 
  • Earthquake waves are basically of two types - body waves and surface waves. 
    • Body waves are generated due to the release of energy at the focus and move in all directions traveling through the body of the earth. The body waves interact with the surface rocks and generate a new set of waves called surface waves. These waves move along the surface. 
    • The velocity of waves changes as they travel through materials with different densities. The denser the material, the higher is the velocity. Their direction also changes as they reflect or refract when coming across materials with different densities. Hence, statement 1 is correct. 
  • There are two types of body waves. They are called P and S-waves. 
    • P-waves are also called ‘primary waves’. They travel through gaseous, liquid, and solid materials. 
    • S- waves are called secondary waves. S-waves can travel only through solid materials. S-waves do not travel through liquids (they are attenuated). The entire zone beyond 103° does not receive S-waves, and hence this zone is identified as the shadow zone of S-waves. This observation led to the discovery of the liquid outer core. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. 
    • The shadow zone of the S-wave is much larger than that of the P-waves. The shadow zone of Pwaves appears as a band around the earth between 105° and 145° away from the epicenter. The shadow zone of S-waves is not only larger in extent but it is also a little over 40 percent of the earth's surface. Hence, statement 3 is correct
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With reference to the propagation of seismic waves in the interior of the Earth, consider the following statements: The direction of propagation of the waves changes across materials with different densities. P-waves cannot travel through the core. The shadow zone of S-waves is larger than that of P-waves.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?a)1 onlyb)2 and 3 onlyc)1 and 3 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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