P-Waves vs S-Waves: Comparison Table
Part of Seismic Waves · GCSE GCSE Physics revision
This comparison covers P-Waves vs S-Waves: Comparison Table 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 8 of 14 in this topic. Use this comparison to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 8 of 14
Practice
13 questions
Recall
15 flashcards
⚖️ P-Waves vs S-Waves: Comparison Table
| Property | P-waves | S-waves |
|---|---|---|
| Wave type | Longitudinal | Transverse |
| Particle motion | Parallel to wave direction | Perpendicular to wave direction |
| Media they travel through | Solids AND liquids | Solids only |
| Relative speed | Faster (arrive first) | Slower (arrive second) |
| Reaches far side of Earth? | Yes (refracted, but detected) | No (blocked by liquid outer 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)?
State two differences between P-waves and S-waves in terms of how the particles move and what materials they can travel through.
Quick Recall Flashcards
13 questions on Seismic Waves — practise free
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