Complete the sentence by putting a cross (✗) in the box next to your answer - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 4 - 2013 - Paper 1
Question 4
Complete the sentence by putting a cross (✗) in the box next to your answer.
Waves from an earthquake are
A ✓ transverse waves only
B electromagnetic waves only
C ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Complete the sentence by putting a cross (✗) in the box next to your answer - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 4 - 2013 - Paper 1
Step 1
Complete the sentence by putting a cross (✗) in the box next to your answer.
96%
114 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
The correct answer is A: transverse waves only. Earthquake waves primarily consist of transverse waves (S-waves) and longitudinal waves (P-waves); however, for the purpose of this question, transverse waves are emphasized.
Step 2
Describe how this thermal energy can cause earthquakes.
99%
104 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Thermal energy in the Earth's interior causes tectonic plates to move. As plates shift due to convection currents and stress builds up, the energy is released in the form of seismic waves, resulting in earthquakes. This can be illustrated with a diagram showcasing tectonic plate boundaries and the movement of magma.
Step 3
Use the chart to estimate the S - P time for the earthquake waves shown.
96%
101 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
From the chart, the arrival of the first P wave occurs at around 10 seconds and the first S wave at 30 seconds. Therefore, the S - P time can be calculated as follows:
Use the S - P time to estimate the distance between the monitoring station and the epicentre of this earthquake.
98%
120 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Using the graph, we can see that an S - P time of 20 seconds corresponds to a distance of about 150 km from the epicentre.
Step 5
Describe what is meant by infrasound waves.
97%
117 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Infrasound waves are longitudinal sound waves that have frequencies below 20 Hz, which are below the audible range for the average human ear. These waves can travel long distances and are often produced by natural phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
