Question

Which of the following waves has the highest velocity?

(a) S-waves

(b) Love waves

(c) P-waves

(d) Rayleigh waves

I have been asked this question at a job interview.

Origin of the question is Earthquake Terminology and Seismic Effects on Buildings in section Earthquake Resistant Buildings of Construction & Building Materials

Answer 1

Correct option is (c) P-waves

Easiest explanation: There are two types of seismic waves. These are surface waves and body waves. Surface waves consist of Rayleigh waves and Love waves while the body waves consist of S-waves and P-waves. The waves having the highest velocity are the P-waves. The decreasing order of velocity of others is S-waves, Love waves and Rayleigh waves.