Which of the following type of waves propagate through the Earth with a speed of about 15,000 miles per hour and are the first waves to cause vibration of a building during an earthquake?

Correct option is C

P waves (Primary waves) are the fastest seismic waves, traveling at speeds up to 15,000 miles per hour, and are the first to cause vibrations during an earthquake.

Information Booster

1. P waves are compressional waves that move parallel to the direction of propagation.
2. They can travel through solids, liquids, and gases.
3. P waves are followed by slower S waves, which cause more destructive shaking.
4. The speed of P waves depends on the density and elasticity of the medium.
5. They are crucial for studying the Earth's internal structure.

Additional Knowledge

• L waves (a): Surface waves causing the most destruction during earthquakes.
• S waves (d): Transverse waves that travel only through solids and arrive after P waves.
• Both S and P waves (b): Incorrect as they travel at different speeds.