Plate Tectonics Lessons 1 & 2 Review

1.Think back to the water drop demo…What did the ripples of water represent in terms of an earthquake?

The ripples of water represented earthquake waves. Earthquake waves travel out in all directions from the center.

2. What are the two types of body waves?

The two types of body waves are p-waves and s-waves.

3. In the Slinky experiment, what was the independent variable?

In the Slinky experiment, the independent variable was the way we moved the Slinky. We either moved the Slinky up and down or side to side.

4. What is the difference between body waves and surface waves?

Body waves travel through the body of the earth and surface waves travel on the surface of the earth.

5. What is one of the main causes of earthquakes?

One of the main causes of earthquakes is when energy is released along cracks, known as “faults”, in the earth.

6. Earthquakes can be __________________ and __________________ by forming mountains and by damaging property.

Constructive and Destructive

7. Describe the three main differences between s and p waves.

P-waves are primary waves, which means they are first. P-waves are also faster than s-waves. P-waves move in a push and pull direction. S-waves are secondary waves, which means they are second. S-waves are slower than p-waves. S-waves move in a side to side direction.

8. What is another name for an earthquake wave?

Another name for an earthquake wave is a seismic wave.

9. What is the name of a scientist that studies earthquakes?

The name of a scientist who studies earthquakes is a seismologist.

10. Define “risk”.

Risk is the exposure to chance of injury or loss.

11. What is the difference in motion between s and p waves?

P-waves move in a push and pull direction (up and down) and s-waves move side to side.

12. In what ways can be an earthquake be constructive?

An earthquake can be constructive by forming mountain ranges.

12. Think back to the water droplet demonstration… What does the first droplet of water represent in terms of an earthquake?

The first droplet of water in the water droplet demonstration represents the epicenter of an earthquake. The epicenter is the point where the energy is released.

13. In the Slinky experiment, what was the dependent variable?

The dependent variable was the type of wave produced. Depending on how we moved the Slinky (the independent variable) a different wave was produced.

14. In the Slinky experiment, what were the constants (2)?

The two constants in the Slinky experiment were: The Slinky (you used the same Slinky) The distance the slinky was moved (the construction paper made sure it was moved the same distance for each trial)

15. Energy from an earthquake travels in _________________.

Energy from an earthquake travels in waves.

16. Cracks in the earth’s crust are also known as…

Cracks in the earth’s crust are also known as faults.

17. An earthquake wave originates at one point and travels out in ______________________.

An earthquake wave originates at one point and travels out in all directions.

18. Which wave is the first one to reach a seismograph?

A p-wave is the first wave to reach a seismograph.

19. Earthquakes are _______________ in the earth caused by a sudden release of energy.

Earthquakes are vibrations in the earth caused by a sudden release of energy.

20. Define “destructive”.

Destructive – causing damage or injury