Which one of the following statements regarding S-waves is not<\/i> correct ?<\/p>\n
[amp_mcq option1=”S-waves are slower than P-waves.” option2=”During an earthquake S-waves are less destructive to structures like buildings and highway overpasses.” option3=”S-waves can travel only through solids and cannot travel through the Earth’s outer core.” option4=”Seismologists have concluded that the Earth’s outer core must be liquid or fluid.” correct=”option2″]<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n