UPSC PYQPrelims 2023

Civil Services Examination · Question 65

Consider the following statements: 1. In a seismograph, P waves are recorded earlier than S waves. 2. In P waves, the individual particles vibrate to and fro in the direction of wave propagation whereas in S waves, the particles vibrate up and down at right angles to the direction of wave propagation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer & explanation

Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2

Explanation

P waves are fastest and arrive first. P waves are longitudinal (particles move along the propagation direction), while S waves are transverse (particles move at right angles).