PrepWisePrepWiseSeismic Waves
WavesIntroduction

X-Raying the Earth

Part of Seismic Waves · GCSE GCSE Physics revision

This introduction covers X-Raying the Earth 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 1 of 14 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 1 of 14

Practice

13 questions

Recall

15 flashcards

📖 X-Raying the Earth

We can't dig to the Earth's core — the deepest hole ever drilled is only 12 km (Earth's radius is 6,371 km!). So how do we know what's inside? Earthquakes! When earthquakes happen, they send waves through the entire planet. By studying how these waves travel, bend, and where they can't go, scientists have mapped the Earth's interior: a solid inner core, liquid outer core, mantle, and crust. It's like using ultrasound to see inside a body, but for the whole planet!

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.

P-Waves and S-WavesP-Waves vs S-WavesEarth's Structure from Seismic Evidence

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

13 questions on Seismic Waves — practise free

Instant marking, adaptive difficulty, and 15 spaced repetition flashcards. Free until your GCSEs.

Try PrepWise Free

Back to

Seismic Waves

Next

P-Waves and S-Waves