Question

Which of the seismic waves has the same waveform as a sound wave?

Answer 1

P waves (primary waves) have the same waveform as sound waves.

Explanation:

P or primary waves are a type of seismic wave which travell through rocks, earth and water.

Sound and P waves are longitudinal mechanical (or compression) waves with oscillations which are parallel to the direction of propagation.

Transverse waves (such as visible light and electromagnetic radiation) have oscillations which are perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

You may want to refer to the following website for more information on seismic waves:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/edexcel/waves_earth/seismicwavesrev3.shtml

Or wave types:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/edexcel_pre_2011/waves/anintroductiontowavesrev2.shtml

Good luck :)