Explore the question in detail with explanation, related questions, and community discussions.
Seismic or earthquake waves are energy vibrations that move outward from the point of an earthquake. Their speed depends on the medium through which they travel, as each medium has different density and elasticity.
When we compare air, water, soil, and rock, seismic waves show very different speeds:
In Air: Seismic waves are extremely slow because air particles are far apart, making it difficult for vibrations to be transferred quickly.
In Water: Seismic waves travel much faster than in air because water is denser, allowing particles to transfer energy more effectively. Both P-waves (primary waves) and certain types of surface waves can move through water.
In Soil: The speed is greater than in air, but because soil is loose and not as dense as solid rock, waves travel slower than in water.
In Rock: In real geophysics, body waves travel fastest in rock because of its rigidity and elasticity. However, in the scope of this MCQ option set, Water is considered the correct answer because it is faster than air and soil.
P-Waves (Primary): Longitudinal waves that can travel through solids, liquids, and gases. They are fastest overall.
S-Waves (Secondary): Transverse waves that cannot pass through liquids, which is why they do not travel through the Earth’s outer core.
Surface Waves: Move along the Earth’s surface and are usually slower but more destructive.
Earthquake waves are fastest in solids like rock, slower in water, and slowest in air.
In the given options, Water transmits seismic waves more quickly than air or soil.
Scientists use these differences in speeds to study the Earth’s interior and locate earthquake epicenters.
Thus, based on the provided options, the correct answer is Water.
Discussion
Leave a Comment