QuestionJuly 16, 2025

3. Think about the density and physical state of Earth's different layers How would you expect the velocities of P-waves and S-waves to change as they move from the solid crust to the solid mantle to the liquid outer core? __

3. Think about the density and physical state of Earth's different layers How would you expect the velocities of P-waves and S-waves to change as they move from the solid crust to the solid mantle to the liquid outer core? __
3. Think about the density and physical state of Earth's different layers How would you expect the
velocities of P-waves and S-waves to change as they move from the solid crust to the solid mantle to the
liquid outer core?
__

Solution
4.6(290 votes)

Answer

P-wave velocity increases from crust to mantle, then decreases entering the liquid outer core; S-wave velocity increases from crust to mantle, then stops at the liquid outer core. Explanation 1. Understand P-wave and S-wave properties P-waves travel through solids, liquids, and gases; S-waves only travel through solids. 2. Analyze crust to mantle transition Both wave velocities increase due to higher density and rigidity in the mantle compared to the crust. 3. Analyze mantle to outer core transition P-wave velocity decreases as they enter the liquid outer core due to lower rigidity. S-waves stop completely because they cannot travel through liquids.

Explanation

1. Understand P-wave and S-wave properties<br /> P-waves travel through solids, liquids, and gases; S-waves only travel through solids.<br /><br />2. Analyze crust to mantle transition<br /> Both wave velocities increase due to higher density and rigidity in the mantle compared to the crust.<br /><br />3. Analyze mantle to outer core transition<br /> P-wave velocity decreases as they enter the liquid outer core due to lower rigidity. S-waves stop completely because they cannot travel through liquids.
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