Seismic Waves

Question 1

seismic wave

Answer 1

Seismic waves are waves caused by vibrations generated by a sudden release of energy from an earthquake or explosion. There are 3 types

Question 2

P waves

primary waves

Answer 2

P waves are the fastest kind of seismic wave. They are compressional waves and can move through solids, liquids, and gases

Question 3

S waves

secondary waves

Answer 3

S waves are shear waves that are slower than P waves. The motion is perpendicular to the direction of the wave travel, similar to the motion of vigorously shaking a rope. They can only move through solids

Question 4

potential energy

Answer 4

Potential energy is the energy that is stored in an object due to its position

Question 5

Intensity

Answer 5

Intensity is the human impact of an earthquake; the damage of an earthquake

Question 6

focus

Answer 6

Focus is the name of the region along a fault where a rupture that caused an earthquake begins

Question 7

shadow zone

Answer 7

Shadow zones are the regions of Earth’s surface where no seismic waves can be detected

Question 8

magnitude

Answer 8

Magnitude is the measure of the size of an earthquake

Question 9

seismometer

Answer 9

A seismometer is a tool scientists use to measure earthquake waves

Question 10

Richter scale

Answer 10

The Richter scale measures the magnitude (size) of an earthquake.

Question 11

body waves

Answer 11

Body waves are waves that travel through the body of the Earth. Both P and S waves are considered body waves

Question 12

surface waves

Answer 12

Surface waves are waves that only move along the surface of the Earth. They are the slowest seismic wave and are similar to the ripples on the surface of a pond.