Differences between P and S waves

Bannwarth JeremieTRH10

Graph showing the difference between P and S waves

P and S wavesWhen occuring, an earthquake produces differents types of waves, the most common ones being

P and S waves. These waves are different in most aspects, and that’s what we are going to look at.

A) P Waves

• These waves are called “P-waves” for “Primary waves”: they travel faster than the S waves and so are felt before.

• P Waves are sound waves: they so are longitudinal waves: they make things move in the direction they are travelling.

• P Waves travel extremely fast: 20 times the speed of sound in the air.

• During an earthquake, the P waves are practically not doing any damages.

• Since they can travel through fluids, some scientists believe that P waves can travel through the liquid core of the earth.

B) S Waves

• S waves stand for secondary waves: they are much slower than “P waves” and so are felt after.

• S Waves are transverse waves: they “shakes” things perpendicularly to the direction they’re travelling.

• S Waves cannot go through fluids such as water or air.

• During an earthquakes, the S waves can have a far bigger impact than P waves: they can thrust upwards buildings, and damage them badly.

• S Waves cannot travel through the liquid core of the earth.