All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Consider the following statements :
I. In a seismograph, P waves are recorded earlier than S waves.
II. In P waves, the individual particles vibrate to and fro in the direction of wave propagation whereas in S waves, the particles vibrate up and down at right angles to the direction of wave propagation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

This question was previously asked in
NDA 2 2026 GAT Question Paper (13-Sep-2026)
The correct answer is
Both I and II

Seismograph and Seismic Wave Analysis

This section analyzes the two statements regarding seismic waves and their recording on a seismograph.

P Wave Arrival Timing on Seismograph

Statement I claims that P waves are recorded earlier than S waves in a seismograph. This is accurate because P waves (Primary waves) are compressional waves that travel faster through the Earth's interior than S waves (Secondary waves), which are shear waves.

Consequently, the first seismic waves to arrive at a seismograph are the P waves. Thus, Statement I is correct.

Particle Motion in P and S Waves

Statement II describes the particle motion associated with P and S waves. This statement is also correct:

  • P waves are longitudinal waves. The particles in the medium oscillate back and forth in the direction of wave propagation.
  • S waves are transverse waves. The particles in the medium oscillate vertically (up and down), perpendicular (at right angles) to the direction of wave propagation.

This distinction in particle movement is a fundamental characteristic of these seismic wave types.

Combined Assessment of Seismic Statements

Both Statement I, concerning the earlier arrival of P waves, and Statement II, describing the distinct particle motions of P and S waves, are factually correct based on seismological principles.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. The lowest part of most bolsons is occupied by a landform called playa. Which category of landform formation does it represent?
  2. Which one among the following processes is NOT part of chemical weathering?

  3. Which one of the following is formed when volcanic ash is carried by running water and is deposited as a sedimentary layer?

  4. For acid rain, the pH of rain water should be less than

  5. Consider the following lines of Longitude and Latitude:

    1. Prime Meridian

    2. Tropic of Cancer

    3. Equator

    Which of the above lines is/are a Great Circle?

  6. Which of the following statements with reference to L-Wave or Long Wave generated by an earthquake is/are correct?

    1. They follow the Earth's circumference

    2. They travel at more or less at a constant rate

  7. Consider the following pairs :
    Types of Chemical WeatheringCharacteristics
    I. SolutionResults in leaching of minerals
    II. CarbonationHelps in breaking down feldspars
    III. HydrationCauses an increase in the volume of rocks
    IV. OxidationChanges the colour of rocks

    How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
  8. Arrange the following zones in ascending order in terms of their latitudinal extent on the Earth surface:
    1. Equatorial zone
    2. Midlatitude zone
    3. Subarctic zone
    4. Tropical zone
    Select the answer using the code given below:
  9. Consider the following statements with reference to Feldspar mineral:
    1. Half of the earth's crust is composed of feldspar
    2. It has light cream to salmon pink colour
    3. Magnesium is a common element in all types of feldspar
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  10. Consider the following pairs with reference to sedimentary rocks and the process of their formation :
    Sedimentary
    Rock
    Process of
    Formation
    1. ChertChemically formed
    2. GeyseriteOrganically formed
    3. ShaleMechanically formed

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched ?

Important Questions from Geomorphology

  1. Asthenosphere is:

  2. The discontinuity present in earth's interior between lower mantle and outer core is called _________.

  3. Which of the following igneous rocks contain silica in excess of 65%?

  4. Which type of rocks are found in Lafagarh and Podi Uprora ?

  5. Part of Gondwana land is

Need Expert Advice?
Test Series
NDA img
Defence
NDA 2026 Mock Test Series (Latest Pattern)
526 Tests 1 Tests Free
1164 Attempts
4.7(159)
English, Hindi

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App