Question

the s-p interval of seismic waves recorded at a seismometer is 10 minutes. the equation for determining this distance to the epicenter is
s-p interval = 0.001613 × distance to epicenter
approximately how far away is the earthquakes epicenter from the seismometer?
less than 1 km
10 km
600 km
6,200 km

Explanation:

Step1: Rearrange the formula

Given \( S - P\ interval=0.001613\times distance\ to\ epicenter \), we can solve for \( distance\ to\ epicenter \) by the formula \( distance\ to\ epicenter=\frac{S - P\ interval}{0.001613} \).

Step2: Substitute the value

We know that \( S - P\ interval = 10\ minutes \). Substitute it into the formula: \( distance\ to\ epicenter=\frac{10}{0.001613}\).

Step3: Calculate the result

\( \frac{10}{0.001613}\approx6200\) (using a calculator for the division \(10\div0.001613\)).

Answer:

6200 km