The velocity of the transverse waves produced by an earthquake is 8.9 km/s, while that of the longitudinal waves is 5.1 km/s. A seismograph records the arrival of the transverse waves 73 seconds before that of the longitudinal waves.

How far away was the earthquake?

The difference in the speeds of the two types of waves is (8.9 - 5.1) = 3.8 km/sec.
In 73 sec, the faster one pulls ahead of the slower one by (73 x 3.8) = 277.4 km .

Answered by AL2006 | 2024-06-10

The distance to the epicenter of the earthquake can be calculated using the known velocities of P-waves and S-waves and their arrival time difference. Solving the set equations for time and substituting back to find distance, the earthquake was approximately 872.12 kilometers away from the seismograph. ;

Answered by JeanneReese | 2024-06-25

To find the distance of the earthquake, we calculate the distance S-waves travel in the time before P-waves arrive, knowing their speed difference. The calculated additional distance for the S-wave is approximately 277.4 km. Further solving leads to determining the total distance to the epicenter using the wave speeds and arrival times.
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Answered by AL2006 | 2024-09-05