UPSC Exam  >  UPSC Questions  >   Regarding seismic waves, consider the follow... Start Learning for Free
Regarding seismic waves, consider the following statements:
(a) P wave or primary wave is the fastest kind of seismic wave and, consequently, the first to ‘arrive’ at a seismic station.
(b) S wave or secondary wave can only move through solid rock, not through any liquid medium.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    None of the above
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Regarding seismic waves, consider the following statements:(a) P wave...
  • The first kind of body wave is the P wave or primary wave. This is the fastest kind of seismic wave, and, consequently, the first to ‘arrive’ at a seismic station. The P wave can move through solid rock and fluids, like water or the liquid layers of the Earth.
  • The second type of body wave is the S wave or secondary wave, which is the second wave you feel in an earthquake. An S wave is slower than a P wave and can only move through solid rock, not through any liquid medium.
Free Test
Community Answer
Regarding seismic waves, consider the following statements:(a) P wave...
Seismic Waves

Seismic waves are vibrations that travel through the Earth's layers in response to an earthquake or other geological events. These waves carry energy and provide valuable information about the Earth's interior.

P Waves

P waves, also known as primary waves or compressional waves, are the fastest type of seismic waves. They are longitudinal waves that travel through both solids and liquids. P waves cause particles to move back and forth in the same direction as the wave is traveling. Due to their ability to propagate through liquids, P waves can travel through the Earth's core, which is predominantly liquid.

S Waves

S waves, also known as secondary waves or shear waves, are slower than P waves. They are transverse waves that cause particles to move perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. S waves can only travel through solids and cannot propagate through liquids or gases. This is because liquids do not possess the necessary rigidity to support shear stresses.

Explanation of the Statements

(a) The statement "P wave or primary wave is the fastest kind of seismic wave and, consequently, the first to arrive at a seismic station" is correct. P waves have a higher velocity compared to S waves, allowing them to reach a seismic station before the arrival of S waves. The arrival time of P waves is used to determine the epicenter of an earthquake.

(b) The statement "S wave or secondary wave can only move through solid rock, not through any liquid medium" is also correct. S waves require a solid medium for propagation and cannot transmit through liquids. When an earthquake occurs, the absence of S waves at a seismic station indicates the presence of a liquid layer, such as the Earth's outer core.

Conclusion

In summary, both statements (a) and (b) are correct. P waves are the fastest seismic waves and arrive first at a seismic station, while S waves can only propagate through solid media and are unable to pass through liquids.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Similar UPSC Doubts

Top Courses for UPSC

Regarding seismic waves, consider the following statements:(a) P wave or primary wave is the fastest kind of seismic wave and, consequently, the first to ‘arrive’ at a seismic station.(b) S wave or secondary wave can only move through solid rock, not through any liquid medium.Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Both 1 and 2d) None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
Regarding seismic waves, consider the following statements:(a) P wave or primary wave is the fastest kind of seismic wave and, consequently, the first to ‘arrive’ at a seismic station.(b) S wave or secondary wave can only move through solid rock, not through any liquid medium.Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Both 1 and 2d) None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about Regarding seismic waves, consider the following statements:(a) P wave or primary wave is the fastest kind of seismic wave and, consequently, the first to ‘arrive’ at a seismic station.(b) S wave or secondary wave can only move through solid rock, not through any liquid medium.Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Both 1 and 2d) None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Regarding seismic waves, consider the following statements:(a) P wave or primary wave is the fastest kind of seismic wave and, consequently, the first to ‘arrive’ at a seismic station.(b) S wave or secondary wave can only move through solid rock, not through any liquid medium.Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Both 1 and 2d) None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Regarding seismic waves, consider the following statements:(a) P wave or primary wave is the fastest kind of seismic wave and, consequently, the first to ‘arrive’ at a seismic station.(b) S wave or secondary wave can only move through solid rock, not through any liquid medium.Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Both 1 and 2d) None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for UPSC. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for UPSC Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Regarding seismic waves, consider the following statements:(a) P wave or primary wave is the fastest kind of seismic wave and, consequently, the first to ‘arrive’ at a seismic station.(b) S wave or secondary wave can only move through solid rock, not through any liquid medium.Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Both 1 and 2d) None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Regarding seismic waves, consider the following statements:(a) P wave or primary wave is the fastest kind of seismic wave and, consequently, the first to ‘arrive’ at a seismic station.(b) S wave or secondary wave can only move through solid rock, not through any liquid medium.Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Both 1 and 2d) None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Regarding seismic waves, consider the following statements:(a) P wave or primary wave is the fastest kind of seismic wave and, consequently, the first to ‘arrive’ at a seismic station.(b) S wave or secondary wave can only move through solid rock, not through any liquid medium.Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Both 1 and 2d) None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Regarding seismic waves, consider the following statements:(a) P wave or primary wave is the fastest kind of seismic wave and, consequently, the first to ‘arrive’ at a seismic station.(b) S wave or secondary wave can only move through solid rock, not through any liquid medium.Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Both 1 and 2d) None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Regarding seismic waves, consider the following statements:(a) P wave or primary wave is the fastest kind of seismic wave and, consequently, the first to ‘arrive’ at a seismic station.(b) S wave or secondary wave can only move through solid rock, not through any liquid medium.Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Both 1 and 2d) None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice UPSC tests.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Top Courses for UPSC

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev