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 is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. 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.
Topic position
Section 7 of 14
Practice
13 questions
Recall
15 flashcards
📖 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.