WavesMemory Aid

Memory Aid

Part of Seismic WavesGCSE Physics

This memory aid covers Memory Aid 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 10 of 14 in this topic. Use it for quick recall, then test yourself straight afterwards so the memory aid becomes usable in an answer.

Topic position

Section 10 of 14

Practice

13 questions

Recall

15 flashcards

🧠 Memory Aid

P-waves vs S-waves:

  • P-waves = Primary (arrive first) = Push/pull (longitudinal) = Pass through everything (solids and liquids)
  • S-waves = Secondary (arrive second) = Shake sideways (transverse) = Stopped by liquid

Earth's layers (outside to inside): "Can My Little Pony Come In?"

Crust — Mantle — (Liquid) outer core — (solid) inner core

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Seismic Waves. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Practice Questions for Seismic Waves

What type of wave is a P-wave (primary seismic wave)?

  • A. Longitudinal wave
  • B. Transverse wave
  • C. Electromagnetic wave
  • D. Surface wave only
1 markfoundation

State two differences between P-waves and S-waves in terms of how the particles move and what materials they can travel through.

2 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

What are S-waves?
Secondary (transverse) seismic waves - slower
What are P-waves?
Primary (longitudinal) seismic waves - fastest

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