Question

which statement describes s waves?
○ they move side to side.
○ they arrive before p waves.
○ they travel through liquids.
○ they occur at earths surface.

Explanation:

• For the option "They arrive before P waves": P waves (primary waves) are faster than S waves (secondary waves), so P waves arrive before S waves. Eliminate this option.
• For the option "They travel through liquids": S waves are shear waves and cannot travel through liquids (they can travel through solids). Eliminate this option.
• For the option "They occur at Earth’s surface": S waves are body waves (travel through the Earth's interior), while surface waves occur at the surface. Eliminate this option.
• For the option "They move side to side": S waves are transverse waves, and their motion is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation, which includes a side - to - side (or up - and - down) motion. This is a correct description of S waves.

Answer:

A. They move side to side