Question

Which one of the following phases is a P-wave that converts to an S-wave during passage through the solid inner core?

• A. PKIKP
• B. PKJKP
• C. PKiKP
• D. PKPPcP

Hint:

P-wave converts to an S-wave when it passes from a liquid outer core to a solid inner core, as the solid inner core supports the propagation of S-waves.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The phase PKJKP refers to a seismic wave where the P-wave converts to an S-wave as it passes through the solid inner core. The abbreviation stands for the P-wave that travels through the outer core (which is liquid) and then converts to an S-wave after entering the solid inner core.

Step 1: Understanding the P-S conversion.
As seismic waves travel through different layers of the Earth, the material properties, such as density and state (solid or liquid), cause the waves to change character. P-waves can travel through both solid and liquid, while S-waves can only propagate through solids. In the solid inner core, the P-wave converts to an S-wave.

Step 2: Correct Phase Identification.
The correct phase that describes this conversion is PKJKP, as it involves the change from P-wave to S-wave as the seismic wave passes through the core.

Final Answer: \boxed{(B)}