Question

An earthquake emits both P-waves and S-waves that travel at different speeds through the Earth. A P-wave travels at 8 000 m/s and an S-wave at 4 000 m/s. If P-waves are received at a seismic station 30.0 s before an S-wave arrives, how far is the station from the earthquake center?

Answer 1

Answer:

240Km

Explanation:

For each wave, we calculate the time taken to travel the required distance. The time taken for wave P can be computed as

distance=Speed * time

Distance=8000t...........equation 1

For wave S which was received 30secs later the the total time of travel is

(t+30)

Hence the distance covered is

Distance=4000(t+30)............equation 2

If we equate both equations we arrive at

$8000t=4000(t+30) \\2t=t+30\\t=30secs$

Hence the distance travel by any of the wave will give the required distance

Distance traveled by wave P is from equation 1

Distance=8000t

Distance=8000*30

Distance=240,000m

Distance=240Km

Answer 2

Earthquake waves such as the P and the S waves have different travel times and arrive at different speeds. The P wave travel at a speed of 8000 m/s and the S wave travel at a speed of 4000 m/s  

• The P waves tend to be received at the seismic station 30 seconds from the S waves as they are first to arrive. The greater is the speed the lesser the time is taken.

• The S wave will arrive at 60 seconds after the P waves as they have more distance to cover. Thus the station is located at a distance of 400 km.

Learn more about the earthquake emits both P-waves and S-waves at different speed.

brainly.com/question/17154078.