What is the difference between S-Waves and P-Waves?

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Answer 1 · 2016-07-20T06:00:32

P and S waves refer to Primary and Secondary and Longitudinal waves. See explanation.

Waves are propagated through a medium that is a solid or a fluid (

liquid or gas ). So, there is velocity in this propagation.

If the propagation is like or unlike, in the direction of the velocity, the

waves are called longitudinal. Otherwise, they are called transverse

waves..

Primary waves are bundle of longitudinal waves that travel

through both solid and fluid mediums.

Secondary waves are bundle of transverse waves that cannot

easily travel in a solid medium. The propagation depends on the

resistance (shear force ) offered by the medium. Naturally, the

resistance is more from solids. Of course, this resistance indeed

affects the propagation of primary waves.

Waves involve movement of ground, perpendicular to the

direction of the velocity of propagation.

Reference:

#wiki# seismic waves