This definitions covers Key Definitions within Seismic Waves for GCSE Physics. Revise Seismic Waves in Waves for GCSE Physics with 13 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 7 of 14 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.
📖 Key Definitions
P-waves: Primary (longitudinal) seismic waves that can travel through both solids and liquids. They are the fastest seismic waves.
S-waves: Secondary (transverse) seismic waves that can only travel through solids. They cannot pass through liquids.
Seismograph: An instrument that detects and records seismic waves, used to study earthquakes and Earth's interior.
S-wave shadow zone: The region on the far side of Earth from an earthquake where no S-waves are detected, proving the outer core is liquid.
P-wave shadow zone: A partial shadow zone (105°–140° from the earthquake) where P-waves are absent due to refraction at the core boundary.
Practice questions for Seismic Waves
What type of wave is a P-wave (primary seismic wave)?
State two differences between P-waves and S-waves in terms of how the particles move and what materials they can travel through.