Question

How are P waves different from S waves? (1 point)
• P waves push and pull in the same direction as the wave, and S waves move up and down.
• P waves travel slowly, and S waves travel quickly.
• P waves move under Earth's surface, and S waves move along Earth's surface.
• P waves cause damage, and S waves do not cause damage.

Answer 1

The correct difference between P waves and S waves is:

• P waves push and pull in the same direction as the wave, and S waves move up and down.

P waves (primary waves) are longitudinal waves that compress and expand the material they travel through, while S waves (secondary waves) are transverse waves that move the ground up and down or side to side.