What are the properties of P and S waves?

As a geophysicist with expertise in seismology, I can provide you with detailed information on the properties of P and S waves. P waves, also known as primary waves, are the first waves to be detected by seismographs after an earthquake. They are characterized by their speed and the fact that they can travel through all types of materials: solids, liquids, and gases. P waves are compressional waves, which means they cause particles in the medium through which they travel to oscillate back and forth in the direction of the wave's movement. This is similar to how sound waves travel through the air. P waves are also the fastest of all seismic waves, which is why they are often the first to be detected. S waves, or secondary waves, arrive after P waves. Unlike P waves, S waves can only travel through solids. They are transverse waves, which means that the particle motion is perpendicular to the direction of the wave's travel. During an S wave, the ground moves up and down or side to side, which can cause significant damage during an earthquake. S waves are slower than P waves, which is why they are detected after P waves have passed. In summary, P waves are fast, can travel through all materials, and cause compressional particle motion. S waves are slower, can only travel through solids, and cause transverse particle motion.

Both Body Waves and Surfaces waves comprise an earthquake, but the body waves arrive first. Primary are first, And Secondary are, well, second of course. P Waves are compressional which means they move through (compress) a solid or liquid by pushing or pulling similar to the way sound travels through the air.