Question

How are seismic waves and sound waves similar?
A. They are both part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
B. They can cause vibrations or motions in the matter with which they interact.
C. They can cause significant damage as part of earthquakes.
D. They are able to travel through a medium and through a vacuum.

Answer 1

B only.

- A is false: both are mechanical waves, not electromagnetic.
- B is true: both produce vibrations/motions in the matter they pass through.
- C is false: seismic waves cause earthquake damage; ordinary sound waves do not.
- D is false: mechanical waves need a medium and cannot travel through a vacuum.