Can the planet core produce S waves?

In summary, the planet core is the central, densest part of a planet made up of iron and nickel, surrounded by the mantle and crust. S waves, also known as secondary waves, are a type of seismic wave that can travel through the Earth's interior and are slower than P waves. S waves can only travel through solids while P waves can travel through solids, liquids, and gases. By studying the planet core and S waves, scientists can learn more about a planet's composition, structure, and processes. S waves are also used in earthquake research to determine location and magnitude, and to understand the properties of the Earth's interior and how seismic waves travel through different layers.
  • #1
cooltu
7
0
Homework Statement
Suppose that space traveling seismologists observe S waves from a quake origination on the far side of a planet . What does this tell them about core?
a) It is solid
b) it is liquid
c) it is gaseous
d) it is fluid
Relevant Equations
theoretical
It is solid
 
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  • #2
cooltu said:
Homework Statement:: Suppose that space traveling seismologists observe S waves from a quake origination on the far side of a planet . What does this tell them about core?
a) It is solid
b) it is liquid
c) it is gaseous
d) it is fluid
Relevant Equations:: theoretical

It is solid
Please justify your answer with Relevant Equations and show your work. Thank you.
 
  • #3
S waves can transmit only in solid substance
 

1. What is the planet core?

The planet core is the innermost layer of a planet, composed of dense materials such as iron and nickel. It is responsible for generating the planet's magnetic field and is typically divided into a solid inner core and a liquid outer core.

2. What are S waves?

S waves, also known as secondary waves, are a type of seismic wave that travels through the interior of a planet. They are slower than primary waves (P waves) and can only travel through solid materials, making them useful for studying the composition of a planet's interior.

3. How are S waves generated?

S waves are generated by the sudden release of energy during an earthquake or explosion. This energy causes rocks to vibrate and produce waves that travel through the planet's interior.

4. Can S waves travel through the planet's core?

No, S waves cannot travel through the liquid outer core of a planet. This is because liquids do not have the necessary rigidity to transmit the wave's energy. As a result, scientists can use the absence of S waves in certain areas to determine the size and composition of a planet's core.

5. How do S waves help us understand a planet's interior?

By studying the behavior of S waves as they travel through a planet's interior, scientists can infer information about the composition, density, and structure of the planet. This helps us better understand the formation and evolution of planets, as well as their potential for supporting life.

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