Chapter 26, Problem 2RQ

Solution

To determine: The way S-waves travel through Earth’s interior.

Answer:

S-waves do not pass through the outer core of the Earth but it passes through inner core of Earth. As, the density of the Earth’s layers changes, S-waves change its path into curves.

Explanation:

S-waves are also called secondary waves. These are one of the seismic waves which travel in the Earth’s interior. S- waves are transverse waves and the speed of S-waves is less than the P-waves. This is why they reach the surface of the Earth later than the P-waves.

Unlike P-waves, S-waves do not pass through the liquid. Therefore, S-waves do not pass through magma or in air present in the Earth’s interior.

S-waves travel in a curved path in the Earth’s interior because the density of the material around it changes and so does its path. This causes a sudden change in the direction of the S-waves as they reach the boundary of two layers, which is due to refraction.

Conclusion:

Therefore, S-waves do not pass through the outer core of the Earth but it passes through inner core of Earth. As, the density of the Earth’s layers changes, S-waves change its path into curves.