P-waves (primary waves) are compressional waves that travel through solids, liquids, and gases. They are the fastest seismic waves and are the first to be detected on a seismograph after an earthquake. P-waves cause particles of the material they travel through to move in the same direction as the wave's energy.
S-waves (secondary waves) are shear waves that only travel through solids. They are slower than P-waves and are typically the second wave to be detected on a seismograph after an earthquake. S-waves cause particles of the material they travel through to move perpendicular to the direction of the wave's energy. S-waves are responsible for the side-to-side shaking motion during an earthquake.
What is the difference between P-waves and S-waves?
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