The graph below shows the change in velocity of seismic waves with depth in the crust.Why does the velocity of the P-wave drop drastically at the core-mantle boundary?
A)because the core is much denser than the mantle
B)because the outer core is solid and P-waves can't pass through solids
C)because the outer core is liquid and seismic waves travel slower in liquids
D)because the S-waves are removed and that energy is transferred to the P-waves

Question

The graph below shows the change in velocity of seismic waves with depth in the crust.Why does the velocity of the P-wave drop drastically at the core-mantle boundary? 
A)because the core is much denser than the mantle 
B)because the outer core is solid and P-waves can't pass through solids 
C)because the outer core is liquid and seismic waves travel slower in liquids 
D)because the S-waves are removed and that energy is transferred to the P-waves

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The drop in the velocity of the P-wave at the core-mantle boundary is due to the fact that the outer core is liquid and seismic waves travel slower in liquids. This is because liquids lack the rigidity of solids and cannot transmit the waves as efficiently.

The Graph Below Shows the Change in Velocity of Seismic