How Far Away Did the Earthquake Occur Based on Wave Time Delay?

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Earthquakes generate P-waves and S-waves, which travel at different speeds: P-waves at approximately 6.9 km/s and S-waves at about 4.8 km/s. The time delay between these waves' arrivals at a seismic station is crucial for determining the earthquake's distance. For a 15-second delay, the calculated distance from the seismic station is 236.6 kilometers. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding wave speeds and time delays in earthquake analysis. Ultimately, the user successfully solved the problem independently after initially seeking clarification.
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Earthquakes produce several types of shock waves. The most well-known are the P-waves and the S-waves. In the earth’s crust, the P-waves travel around 6.9 km/s while the S-waves move at about 4.8 km/s. The time delay between the arrival of these two waves at a seismic recording station tells geologists how far away the earthquake occurred. If the time delay is 15 s, how far away from the seismic station did the earthquake occur?

Give your answer in kilometers to the first decimal place.



Correct Answer
236.6


I got the correct answer but I don't know how to get it... can someone explain pleaaze? :bugeye:
 
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You got the answer but you don't know how you got the answer? Please explain that! Then you might get some help. :)
 
I got it because its an online quiz that tells you the answer after you finish..

but anyway, i am done with it... i solved it myself, thanks anyway
 

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