Physics - Seismic Waves

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how do we know what the earth's structure is like?
from earthquakes
1 of 15
an earthquake happens due to sudden movement in tectonic plates and earth's crust. this causes ___ waves
seismic waves
2 of 15
seismic waves carry energy __ (Away from/closer to) earthquake
away from
3 of 15
the waves travel through earth and can be detected by ___
seismometers
4 of 15
how does this help us know structure of earth?
patterns of waves detected tells us about inside earth
5 of 15
two types of seismic waves. these are....
S waves and P waves
6 of 15
P waves can pass through solids and liquids. what type of waves are P waves?
longitudinal
7 of 15
which wave travels faster?
P waves
8 of 15
What type of wave are S waves?
transverse
9 of 15
S waves can only travel through __
solids
10 of 15
seismic waves travel in ___ (curved/straight?) paths
curved - due to density changes in earth
11 of 15
whats the S wave shadow zone?
zone where S waves can't be detected
12 of 15
why can't they be detected here?
S waves can't pass through liquid - earth must contain a liquid core
13 of 15
can P waves be detected anywhere?
no. areas where can't be detected are called P wave shadow Zones
14 of 15
why are there shadow zones?
P waves travel faster in solids so refract (slow down) in core (liquid)
15 of 15

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

an earthquake happens due to sudden movement in tectonic plates and earth's crust. this causes ___ waves

Back

seismic waves

Card 3

Front

seismic waves carry energy __ (Away from/closer to) earthquake

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

the waves travel through earth and can be detected by ___

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

how does this help us know structure of earth?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
View more cards

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