Chapter 25, Problem 55A

To determine

Earth scientists in different locations determine the same earthquake origin. Explain.

Answer to Problem 55A

The distance traveled by the shock waves provides the exact location of the earthquake.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:Transverse waves moves in a perpendicular direction to the back and forth movement of the waves. Longitudinal waves move along with the to and fro motion of the waves in the parallel direction.

Since sound requires a medium to move. The transverse and longitudinal waves require medium as well. Due to the difference in propagation compared with the sound waves, their distance traveled differs. Scientist at different locations measures the distance traveled by both transverse and longitudinal waves. Thus, 3 circles overlapped from the collective data obtained by a group of scientists provide the exact location of the earthquake.

Conclusion: Thus, the overlapping of the 3 circles provides exact location using the measure of distance traveled by the transverse and longitudinal waves.