Question

1. the diagram below shows the motion of both p - waves (left) and s - waves (right) as they move through the interior of the earth. what could explain the reason the s - waves stop when they reach the outer core (gray circle) of the earth? the outer core of earth is less dense than the crust and mantle, so the change in density stopped the s - waves from moving through. the inner core of earth is less dense than the outer core, so the change in density stopped the s - waves from moving through. the outer core of earth is a liquid, and s - waves cannot travel through liquid material. the outer core of earth is a solid, and s - waves cannot travel through solid material.

Explanation:

S - waves are shear waves that require a rigid medium to propagate. The outer core of the Earth is in a liquid - like state. Since liquids cannot support shear forces, S - waves cannot travel through the outer core.

Answer:

The outer core of Earth is a liquid, and S - waves cannot travel through liquid material.