Question

For which of the following seismic waves the velocity is directly proportional to the shear strength of the material through which they pass?

• A. R-waves
• B. L-waves
• C. P-wave
• D. S-waves

Hint:

S-wave velocity depends on shear strength; they cannot travel through fluids due to zero shear modulus.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The velocity of S-waves (shear waves) is directly proportional to the shear strength (shear modulus) of the material they pass through: - S-waves travel by shearing the medium, so their speed depends on the material’s resistance to shear deformation. - Other waves (P, R, L) depend on different properties like compressibility or surface effects.