Question

An earthquake emits both S-waves and P-waves which travel at different speeds through the Earth. A P-wave travels at 9 000 m/s and an S-wave travels at 5 000 m/s. If P-waves are received at a seismic station 1.00 minute before an S-wave arrives, how far away is the earthquake center?

Answer 1

Assuming constant speeds, the P-wave covers a distance d in time t such that

9000 m/s = d/(60 t)

while the S-wave covers the same distance after 1 more minute so that

5000 m/s = d/(60(t + 1))

Now,

d = 540,000 t

d = 300,000(t + 1) = 300,000 t + 300,000

Solve for t in the first equation and substitute it into the second equation, then solve for d :

t = d/540,000

d = 300,000/540,000 d + 300,000

4/9 d = 300,000

d = 675,000

So the earthquake center is 675,000 m away from the seismic station.