I went along this path: V2 = 8.5km = 8500 m v1 = 5.5km = 5500 m 1 min = 60 secon

Question

I went along this path:

V2 = 8.5km = 8500 m

v1 = 5.5km = 5500 m

1 min = 60 seconds

60*8500/(8500-5500) = 170

8500*170 = 1445000/1000 = 1445km

Where did I go wrong?

S and P waves from an earthquake travel at different speeds, and this difference helps in the determination of the earthquake "epicenter" (where the disturbance took place) (a) Assuming typical speeds of 8.5 km/s and 5.5 km/s for P and S waves, respectively, how far away did the earthquake occur if a particular seismic station detects the arrival of these two types of waves 1.0 min apart? 1445 (b) Is one seismic station sufficient to determine the position of the epicenter? o Yes X km O No

Explanation / Answer

since both waves are in same direction

t = d/vs - d/vp

d = t/(1/vs - 1/vp))

t = 1 min = 60s

d = 935 km

PS = in your calculation you forgot to multyply 5500 whre you getting 170

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