Which seismic wave travels through both solids and liquids?

Which seismic wave travels through both solids and liquids?

• A. P-waves
• B. S-waves
• C. Surface waves
• D. Love waves

Answer: (A)

Seismic wave propagation depends on whether the medium supports shear. The wave that travels through both solids and liquids is the compressional (P) wave. P-waves move by compressing and expanding the material in the direction of travel, and this mechanism works in substances that have bulk rigidity, including liquids. Liquids lack shear strength, but they do have bulk modulus, so they can carry these compressional waves. In contrast, shear (S) waves rely on the medium’s ability to support shear motion and cannot propagate through liquids, so they stay within solids. Surface waves travel along interfaces and are not the wave type responsible for moving through liquids. So the wave that traverses both solids and liquids is the compressional P-wave.

Seismic wave propagation depends on whether the medium supports shear. The wave that travels through both solids and liquids is the compressional (P) wave. P-waves move by compressing and expanding the material in the direction of travel, and this mechanism works in substances that have bulk rigidity, including liquids. Liquids lack shear strength, but they do have bulk modulus, so they can carry these compressional waves. In contrast, shear (S) waves rely on the medium’s ability to support shear motion and cannot propagate through liquids, so they stay within solids. Surface waves travel along interfaces and are not the wave type responsible for moving through liquids. So the wave that traverses both solids and liquids is the compressional P-wave.