Seismic P and S (Schematic)
This interactive simulator explores Seismic P and S (Schematic) in Waves & Sound. Longitudinal vs transverse particle motion; v_P, v_S sliders β not layered Earth. Use the controls to change the scenario; watch the visualization and any graphs or readouts to connect the model with lectures, labs, and homework.
Who it's for: Suited to beginners and first exposure to the topic. Typical context: Waves & Sound.
Key terms
- seismic
- schematic
- seismic p and s
- waves
- sound
How it works
**Body waves** in elastic media: **P** (**compressional**) β particle motion **along** the ray; **S** (**shear**) β motion **perpendicular** (here shown in the plane). **v_P > v_S** is typical in rocks. This is a **1D traveling sine** **caricature** on a line of markers, **not** a layered Earth model or **Rayleigh** surface waves.
Key equations
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