2021 · Q56
Which one of the following statements about primary waves of earthquakes is not correct ?
General KnowledgeGeography
- AThey are similar to sound waves.
- BThey can travel only through. solid materials.
- CThey travel through gaseous, liquid and solid materials.
- DThey move faster and are the first to arrive at the surface.
Explanation
Primary (P) waves of earthquakes are compressional waves similar to sound waves; they can travel through gaseous, liquid and solid materials, and being the fastest seismic waves they are the first to arrive at the surface. Statement B — that they can travel only through solid materials — contradicts their known behaviour through liquids and gases and is the incorrect statement.