Lesson eLearning

A seismograph records a seismic wave that travels at 6 km/s. If the wave takes 30 seconds to reach the seismograph from the epicentre, how far is the epicentre from the seismograph? Provide the calculation.

hard 3 marks Class 5 · EVS · When the Earth Shook
Answer
180 km

The correct answer is 180 km — State that the epicentre is therefore 180 km away from the seismograph.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Use the basic speed‑distance–time relation: distance = velocity × time.
  2. Insert the given velocity of 6 km/s and time of 30 s.
  3. Multiply: km.
  4. State that the epicentre is therefore 180 km away from the seismograph.
Common mistake: Mixing up seconds and minutes, or forgetting units

Concept tested: Seismic wave speed calculation

Published · How this solution was prepared and checked

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