Multiple choice

Which of the following statements is not correct regarding earthquakes?

  1. S waves move objects at right angles to their direction of motion.

  2. S waves propagate through liquids.

  3. As the P waves propagate, they move material in a path parallel to the direction of movement.

  4. L waves travel along the surface of the earth's crust.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

S waves (shear waves) can only travel through solid materials and are absorbed by liquids. The statement 'S waves propagate through liquids' is therefore false. P waves (primary waves) can travel through both solids and liquids, moving material parallel to their direction. L waves (surface waves) travel along Earth's surface.

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