Seismic Waves & Earth's Interior
Distinguish between P-waves (compression, travel through solids and liquids) and S-waves (shear, cannot pass through liquids); explain why a seismic shadow zone exists on the far side of an earthquake; describe how seismologists use wave refraction and reflection to infer that Earth has a solid inner core, liquid outer core, mantle, and crust
Typical age: 11–13 years
“Can your child explain how scientists know Earth has a liquid outer core if nobody has ever drilled that deep — what clues do earthquake waves give us about Earth's hidden interior?”
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