Chapter 26, Problem 3RQ

Solution

To determine: Whether S-waves can travel through liquids.

Answer:

S-waves cannot travel through liquids

Explantion:

S- waves cannot pass through the liquids. This is because, in liquid, the molecules are not tightly bounded as the solids. The solids molecules are tightly packed, that is why there is no change in the shape of solids when they are displaced.

On the other side, the molecules in the liquid are loosely packed than solids, which causes the change in shape when they are displaced from one shape medium to another. Therefore, liquids do not have shear strength and S-waves, which are also known as shear waves, cannot pass through liquid.

Conclusion:

Therefore, S-waves cannot travel through liquid.