Which one of the following statements regarding S-waves is not correct ?
Statement B is incorrect. S-waves cause particles to move perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation, resulting in a shearing motion. This sideways and vertical shaking motion is generally more damaging and destructive to structures like buildings, bridges, and overpasses compared to the push-pull motion of P-waves.
Statement C is correct. S-waves can only travel through solid materials because they rely on the rigidity of the medium to transmit the shear force. Liquids and gases have no rigidity, so S-waves cannot propagate through them. The Earth’s outer core is known to be liquid.
Statement D is correct. The observation that S-waves generated by earthquakes do not pass through the Earth’s outer core is the primary seismological evidence indicating that the outer core is in a liquid or fluid state.
– S-waves are generally more destructive than P-waves due to their shearing motion.
– S-waves cannot travel through liquids.
– The absence of S-waves in the outer core indicates it is liquid.