Question

Scientists use the properties of seismic waves to figure out the structure of Earth's interior. For example, seismic waves travel faster through denser layers than through less dense layers. Also, P waves can travel through both solids and liquids, but S waves can travel through solids only.

Because P and S waves travel faster through the Earth's mantle than through Earth's crust, scientists know that the mantle is _______ and _______ than the crust.
A.
liquid; less dense
B.
solid; less dense
C.
solid; denser
D.
liquid; denser

Answer 1

The correct answer is C. solid; denser.

P waves and S waves travel faster through the Earth’s mantle than through the crust, indicating that the mantle is denser and solid compared to the crust, which is less dense.