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6 (a) Seismic (earthquake) waves can be either P-waves or S-waves - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 6 - 2015 - Paper 1
Question 6
6 (a) Seismic (earthquake) waves can be either P-waves or S-waves. Which row of the table is correct for P-waves? Put a cross (X) in the box next to your answer. | ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:6 (a) Seismic (earthquake) waves can be either P-waves or S-waves - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 6 - 2015 - Paper 1
Step 1
Step 2
Explain why it is difficult to predict when an earthquake will happen.
Answer
Predicting earthquakes is challenging because the precise timing of seismic activity cannot be determined. Earthquakes are influenced by various unpredictable factors, including tectonic plate movements and buildup of stress along fault lines. Additionally, there are currently no reliable scientific methods to forecast the exact moment an earthquake will strike.
Step 3
Step 4
Describe how they use the data to find out where an earthquake happened.
Answer
Scientists utilize the arrival times of P-waves and S-waves at different seismic stations to triangulate the origin of the earthquake. By measuring the time difference between the arrivals of these waves at multiple stations, they can determine the distance of each station from the earthquake epicenter. This method involves drawing circles on a map, with the radius equal to the calculated distance, and the intersection point of these circles indicates the earthquake's location. Adding a diagram can further illustrate this process.