Calculating Distance of Earthquake Epicenter Using P and S Waves

In summary, earthquakes produce several types of shock waves. The most well-known are the P-waves (P for primary or pressure) and the S-waves (S for secondary or shear). The P-waves travel at around 6.5 km/s while the S-waves move at about 3.5 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 33 s, how far from the seismic station did the earthquake occur?
  • #1
trajan22
134
1
Earthquakes produce several types of shock waves. The most well-known are the P-waves (P for primary or pressure) and the S-waves (S for secondary or shear). In the Earth's crust, the P-waves travel at around 6.5 km/s while the S-waves move at about 3.5 km/s. The actual speeds vary depending on the type of material they are going through. 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 33 s, how far from the seismic station did the earthquake occur?

Ive already received no credit for this problem but am stuck on how to get started, I just would like a small hint as to how to get started thanks?
 
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  • #2
trajan22 said:
Earthquakes produce several types of shock waves. The most well-known are the P-waves (P for primary or pressure) and the S-waves (S for secondary or shear). In the Earth's crust, the P-waves travel at around 6.5 km/s while the S-waves move at about 3.5 km/s. The actual speeds vary depending on the type of material they are going through. 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 33 s, how far from the seismic station did the earthquake occur?

Ive already received no credit for this problem but am stuck on how to get started, I just would like a small hint as to how to get started thanks?
Let the time for the P wave equal X. Therefore the time taken for the S wave equals X+33. Let the total Distance equal D

You then have two equations
3.5(X+33)=D
6.5X=D

Hopefully you can follow on from there...
 
  • #3
Yup that worked out, thanks for the help I was stuck on that for a while.
 
  • #4
I do not get this problem please go into more detail. Show me how to set up the equation needed to solve this problem.

I do not get how to solve his equation based on the material given in section 2.1.
 
Last edited:
  • #5
what did you not understand.
 

1. What is linear motion of shock waves?

Linear motion of shock waves refers to the movement of shock waves in a straight line. Shock waves are a type of pressure wave that travels through a medium, such as air or water, at a speed faster than the speed of sound. In linear motion, the shock wave maintains a constant shape and speed as it travels through the medium.

2. How are shock waves created?

Shock waves are created when an object moves through a medium at a speed faster than the speed of sound. This creates a sudden increase in pressure and temperature, causing a shock wave to form. Examples of objects that can create shock waves include supersonic aircraft, bullets, and explosions.

3. What factors affect the speed of a shock wave?

The speed of a shock wave is affected by the speed of the object creating it, the properties of the medium it is traveling through, and the angle at which the shock wave is propagating. Generally, shock waves travel faster through denser mediums and at lower angles.

4. How is linear motion of shock waves measured?

The linear motion of shock waves can be measured using a variety of techniques, such as high-speed photography, pressure sensors, and laser interferometry. These methods allow for the visualization and measurement of the shock wave's speed, shape, and other properties.

5. What are some real-world applications of linear motion of shock waves?

The study of linear motion of shock waves has many practical applications, including in the development of supersonic aircraft and high-speed trains. It is also used in the analysis and design of blast resistance structures, shock-resistant materials, and shock wave therapy in medicine. Understanding the behavior of shock waves is crucial in many industries, such as aerospace, defense, and transportation.

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