In the following graph,why does the line for S-waves NOT appear in the outer core?
A) S-waves can't travel through the outer core because it is solid.
B) S-waves can't travel through the outer core because it is liquid.
C) S-waves disappear after being reflected at the core-mantle boundary.
D) S-waves can't travel that far into the Earth due to the high amount of iron.

Question

In the following graph,why does the line for S-waves NOT appear in the outer core? 
A) S-waves can't travel through the outer core because it is solid. 
B) S-waves can't travel through the outer core because it is liquid. 
C) S-waves disappear after being reflected at the core-mantle boundary. 
D) S-waves can't travel that far into the Earth due to the high amount of iron.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

S-waves cannot travel through the outer core because it is liquid. S-waves are transverse waves, which means that the particles move perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. However, in a liquid, the particles are not held tightly in place and can move freely, which causes the wave to lose its transverse motion and become dispersed. Therefore, S-waves cannot transmit through the liquid outer core and only P-waves can travel through it.

In the Following Graph,why Does the Line for S-Waves NOT