Compare and contrast S and P waves
S waves and P waves are both types of seismic waves that are generated by earthquakes, but they have some key differences in terms of their properties and behavior.
P waves, also known as primary waves, are the fastest seismic waves and travel through solids, liquids, and gases. They are compressional waves that push and pull the ground in the direction of propagation. P waves are capable of traveling through the Earth's inner core, where they experience a change in velocity due to the change in material properties.
S waves, also known as secondary waves, are slower than P waves and only travel through solids. They are transverse waves that shake the ground perpendicular to the direction of propagation. S waves are unable to pass through liquids or gases, and they are typically responsible for the most damage during an earthquake because of their side-to-side motion.
In summary, the key differences between S waves and P waves are their speed, the materials they can travel through, and their motion. P waves are faster, can travel through all materials, and have a compressional motion, while S waves are slower, can only travel through solids, and have a side-to-side motion.