Solve the given question :
Dear student
Let vSand vP be the velocities of S and P waves respectively.
Let L be the distance between the epicentre and the seismograph.
We have:
L = vStS (i)
L = vPtP (ii)
Where,
tS and tP are the respective times taken by the S and P waves to reach the seismograph from the epicentre
It is given that:
vP = 8 km/s
vS = 4 km/s
From equations (i) and (ii), we have:
vS tS = vP tP
4tS = 8 tP
tS = 2 tP (iii)
It is also given that:
tS – tP = 4 min = 240 s
2tP – tP = 240
tP = 240
And tS = 2 × 240 = 480 s
From equation (ii), we get:
L = 8 × 240
= 1920 km
Hence, the earthquake occurs at a distance of 1920 km from the seismograph.
Regards