Body waves (P and S waves) are faster than surface waves and tend to cause less damage.

Body waves (P and S waves) are faster than surface waves and tend to cause less damage.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. They are faster but cause more damage
• D. They are slower and cause less damage

Answer: (A)

P waves move fastest because they compress and dilate the material in the direction of travel, transmitting energy efficiently through solids, liquids, and gases. S waves come next, bending and shaking particles perpendicular to the direction of travel, which is slower and also can’t travel through liquids. Surface waves travel along the Earth’s surface and tend to have larger amplitudes and longer durations, which makes the shaking they produce more destructive near the surface. So, body waves reach the surface quickly, but the most damaging shaking at the surface usually comes from surface waves. That’s why the statement—body waves are faster and tend to cause less damage—is true.

P waves move fastest because they compress and dilate the material in the direction of travel, transmitting energy efficiently through solids, liquids, and gases. S waves come next, bending and shaking particles perpendicular to the direction of travel, which is slower and also can’t travel through liquids. Surface waves travel along the Earth’s surface and tend to have larger amplitudes and longer durations, which makes the shaking they produce more destructive near the surface. So, body waves reach the surface quickly, but the most damaging shaking at the surface usually comes from surface waves. That’s why the statement—body waves are faster and tend to cause less damage—is true.