8 Science

Quarter 2 - Module 3
Seismic Waves
S8ES-IIc-17

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Science – Grade 8
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 2 – Module 3: Seismic Waves
First Edition, 2020

Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in
any work of the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval
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The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership over them.

Published by the Department of Education - Region III

Secretary : Leonor M. Briones
Undersecretary : Diosdado M. San Antonio

Development Team of the Module

Author : April Joy C. Malones
Language Reviewer : Mayla M. Dela Cruz
Content Editor : Ma. Michelle G. Villareal
Illustrator : Mary Grace SC. Jarapa
Layout Artist : Alfredo C. Duran Jr.

Management Team
Gregorio C. Quinto, Jr., EdD
Chief, Curriculum Implementation Division
Rainelda M. Blanco, PhD
Education Program Supervisor - LRMDS
Agnes R. Bernardo, PhD
EPS-Division ADM Coordinator
Marinella P. Garcia SY, PhD
EPS – Science
Glenda S. Constantino
Project Development Officer II
Joannarie C. Garcia
Librarian II

Department of Education, Schools Division of Bulacan

Curriculum Implementation Division
Learning Resource Management and Development System (LRMDS)
Capitol Compound, Guinhawa St., City of Malolos, Bulacan
Email address: lrmdsbulacan@deped.gov.ph

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 8
Science
Quarter 2 - Module 3
Seismic Waves
S8ES-IIc-17

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 Introductory Message

For the Facilitator

Welcome to the Science 8 Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on Seismic Waves.
This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by educators from public
institutions to assist you, the teacher or facilitator, in helping the learners meet the standards
set by the K to 12 Curriculum while overcoming their personal, social, and economic constraints
in schooling.
This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and independent learning
activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also aims to help learners acquire the
needed 21st century skills while taking into consideration their needs and circumstances.
In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the body of the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that
will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this module.
You also need to keep track of the learners’ progress while allowing them to manage their own
learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist the learners as they do the
tasks included in the module.

For the Learner

Welcome to the Science 8 Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on Seismic Waves.
This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful opportunities for guided
and independent learning at your own pace and time. You will be enabled to process the
contents of the learning resource while being an active learner.
This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

This will give you an idea of the skills or competencies

What I Need to Know
you are expected to learn in the module.

This part includes an activity that aims to check what

you already know about the lesson to take. If you get
What I Know
all the answers correct (100%), you may decide to skip
this module.

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 This is a brief drill or review to help you link the current
What’s In
lesson with the previous one.

In this portion, the new lesson will be introduced to you

What’s New in various ways; a story, a song, a poem, a problem
opener, an activity or a situation.
This section provides a brief discussion of the lesson.
What is It This aims to help you discover and understand new
concepts and skills.
This comprises activities for independent practice to
solidify your understanding and skills of the topic. You
What’s More
may check the answers to the exercises using the
Answer Key at the end of the module.
This includes questions or blank sentence/paragraph
What I Have Learned to be filled in to process what you learned from the
lesson.
This section provides an activity which will help you
What I Can Do transfer your new knowledge or skill into real life
situations or concerns.

This is a task which aims to evaluate your level of

Assessment
mastery in achieving the learning competency.

In this portion, another activity will be given to you to

Additional Activities
enrich your knowledge or skill of the lesson learned.

Answer Key This contains answers to all activities in the module.

At the end of this module you will also find:

References This is a list of all sources used in developing this module.
The following are some reminders in using this module:
1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of the module.
Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities included
in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult
your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are not alone.
We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning and gain deep
understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!

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 What I Need to Know

This module provides activities and scientific knowledge that will help you learn and
understand seismic waves. You will also understand and explain how these earthquake
waves provide information about the interior of the Earth.
At the end of this module, you are expected to:
• define seismic waves scientifically;
• point out the differences between the two main types of body waves; and
• recognize and appreciate the importance of seismic waves in providing information
about the interior of the Earth.

What I Know

Read the following statements carefully and write the letter of your choice on the
space provided before each number.

_____1. Which of the following is being referred to when P wave and S wave travel at the
interior of the earth?
a. body waves b. earthquakes c. earth waves d. surface waves
_____2. What does P in a P wave mean?
a. partial b. penetrate c. perimeter d. primary
_____3. What does S in an S wave mean?
a. secondary b.sideways c. substance d. surface
_____4. Which kind of waves cannot travel through a liquid?
a. body waves b. primary waves c.secondary waves d. surface waves
_____5. What is the outermost layer of the Earth?
a. core b.crust c. epicenter d. mantle
_____6. Which of the following is described as the scientific study of earthquakes and
seismic waves?
a. Oceanography b.Seismology c. Seismograph d.Volcanology
_____7. Which instrument records the shaking of the earth’s surface caused by seismic
waves?
a.Mercalli Intensity b. Richter Magnitude c. Seismograph d.Seismology
Scale Scale

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_____8. Which kind of body wave can move through solid rock and fluids, like water or the
liquid layers of the earth?
a. P - waves b. S - waves c. seismic waves d. surface waves
_____9. What is the other term for P waves?
a. body waves b. compressional c. surface waves d. transverse waves
waves
_____10. Which type of seismic waves travel through earth?
a. body waves b. continental waves c.ocean waves d. surface waves

What’s In

It is significant to recall about earthquake. It is one of the most frightening factors that
anyone can experience. No one can stop this. It happens when there is sudden shaking of the
surface of the earth resulting from a sudden release of energy in the Earth’s lithosphere. To
check if you still remember the previous lesson, do this simple activity.

Let’s Name It!

Arrange the jumbled letters to identify the terms being described in the following
statement. Write your answer before the number.

______________1. (IEPCNETRE) – The location on the surface of the earth directly

above the focus.
______________2. (SFCOU) – The location below the earth’s surface where

______________3.(GISTSEISOMLO) – The scientist who studies earthquakes and

earthquake waves.
______________4. (GARPHSIESMO) – A device or instrument used to record earthquake
waves.
______________5. (ULTAFS) – These are breaks in rocks along which movement
has occurred.

Let’s analyze the answer.

The epicenter is the location on the surface of the earth directly above the focus while
the location below the earth’s surface where earthquake originates is called the focus. The
study on earthquakes and earthquake waves is being done by Seismologists. They use a
device or instrument to record earthquake waves which is called seismograph. Earthquake
happens along fault lines. Remember that faults are breaks in rocks along which movement
has occurred.

You’ve made it! Congratulations for answering this task absolutely right! Now, I think you
are ready to proceed to the next topic and learn something new. Let’s start….

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 What’s New

Let’s Read This!

Seismic Waves
by: April Joy C. Malones

Seismic waves, seismic waves

are waves of energy.
Travel through, travel through
the layers of the earth.

Seismic waves are studied by

Scientists called Seismologists.
Seismic waves are recorded by
a device known as Seismograph.

Two types of Seismic waves;

Body Waves and Surface waves,
Is it clear? Is it clear?
Let us have some more.

Body waves can travel through

The inner layer of the earth,
Surface waves can only pass through
The surface of the earth.

Body waves are classified

into different types;
Primary waves or P-waves,
Secondary waves or S-waves.

P-waves are the fastest waves

That can be detected first;
S-waves are the slower waves
That can be detected next.

If you want to know the information

about the interior part of the earth,
Seismic waves will provide you
and lead you to the inner earth.

If you want to visualize

the inside or inner earth,
Seismic waves will make you see
the inner beauty of the earth.

This simple introduction of seismic

may help you a bit or not,
but if you will only focus to it
surely it will help a lot.

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 Did you enjoy reading the poem? The poem speaks about terminologies that are
essential in the study of seismic waves.

List down terms mentioned in the poem that are related with seismic waves.

1.___________________________
2.___________________________
3.___________________________
4.___________________________
5.___________________________

Are you interested to know more about how waves move within the interior layer of
the earth? To know more about this, let’s begin the discussion with the explanation on “How
earthquake waves provide information about the interior of the earth.”

What is It

Seismic Waves

Earthquake is a vibration of the Earth produced by the rapid release of energy. This energy
radiates in all directions from the focus in the form of waves called seismic waves. Seismic
waves are the waves of energy caused by the sudden breaking of rock within the earth. There
are two main types of seismic waves: these are the “Body waves” and the “Surface waves”.

Body waves include the Primary waves and the Secondary waves. Body waves can travel
through the Earth’s inner layers while Surface waves can only travel through the surface of
the Earth.

Let us compare Primary waves and the Secondary waves. Look at the following illustrations
below.

Compression Compression Compression

Undisturbed
Expansion Expansion Materials
Primary wave

Figure 1 The Direction of

Direction of wave movement Wave movements of the
Primary Wave and the
Secondary Wave.
Secondary
wave

Wave
Length

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 Do you still remember the difference between compressions and expansions during your
Grade 7 class? Compressions are referred to the parts of the wave that are sticked together
while expansions are the parts of the wave which are spread out.

Are you now familiar with the types of body waves? To elaborate more the topic, use the
illustrations below that show how P-waves and S-waves travel by using metal slinky. Let’s
begin….
The first kind of body wave is the P- wave or primary wave. This is the fastest kind of seismic
wave, and consequently, the first to arrive at a seismic station. P-waves are also known as
compressional waves or longitudinal waves which mean that the displacement of the medium
or the earth is displaced in the same direction as the wave travel. They can travel through
solids, liquids and gases.

Figure 2 Direction of movement of the Primary wave.

The second kind of body wave is the S- wave or secondary wave, which is the second
wave you feel during an earthquake. An S- wave is slower than a P- wave and can only travel
through solid rock, not through any liquid medium. S-waves are also known as transverse
or shear wave because the displacement of the medium or the movement of the body of the
earth is perpendicular to the motion of the wave. The movement is perpendicular and moves
in up and down or side to side.

Figure 3 The direction of movement of the Secondary Wave.

Now, let us recall about the layers of the earth. Our planet Earth is divided into three
layers: the crust, the mantle and the core. The crust is the outermost layer and the thinnest
layer of the earth. The mantle is the thickest and the middle layer of the earth. The core is the
innermost layer of the earth which is divided into outer core and inner core. It is really hard to
study the Earth’s interior because of tremendous heat and very high pressure underneath the
Earth’s surface. Scientists only rely on the instrument to gather information about the deepest
regions of the earth.

Crust

Mantle

Inner Core
Outer Core

Figure 4 The Layers of the Earth.

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 Let us discuss how P-waves and S- waves move in the interior layer of the earth.

We can use the illustration below to further describe the movements of the waves on the
interior part of the earth. The primary waves or the P-waves are represented by arrow line
while the secondary waves or the s-waves are represented by the hidden lines. P-waves or
the longitudinal waves travel through both solid and liquid layer of the earth. While S-waves
can only travel on the solid layers of the earth.

Figure 5 Shows how P-waves

and S-Waves travel inside the
layers of the Earth.

As seismic waves travel through the interior part of the earth, they behave in different
ways depending on what they encounter along the way. The waves speed up as they travel
deeper into the crust while slow down in the upper part of the mantle where rocks are partially
molten. Seismic waves particularly the S- waves disappear as the waves reach the core. The
idea that the S-waves cannot travel through any liquid medium led Seismologists to conclude
that the outer core is liquid.

Earthquake waves and seismic waves are both dangerous. But these waves help us in
the development of our understanding on the interior layers of the Earth.

P-waves and S-waves are the primary tools scientists used to understand the properties
of each layer of the earth. P waves and S waves travel differently through liquids and solids.
We can use the waves from earthquake to understand what the layers of the Earth are and
what their mechanical properties are.

TRIVIA: Did you know that the concept on earthquake

waves can also be compared as how the doctors detect
the condition of the internal structures of the human body
using ultrasounds, CT scans and X-rays.

Note: Surface wave is another type of seismic waves that will be further discussed in your Grade 10
Science.

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 What’s More

Independent Activity
A. Let’s Classify!
Classify the following statements according to types of body waves. Write P if it
describes Primary waves and S if it describes Secondary waves.

_______1. Waves that are detected first at the seismic station.

_______2. Waves that can travel in solid, liquid and gas.

_______3. Also known as compressional wave.

_______4. The fastest kind of seismic wave.

_______5. Waves that cannot travel on any liquid medium.

B. Let’s Label!
Identify the layers of the earth inside the box and write a brief description for each layer
on the line.

(1)
(4)

(3)

(2)

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Independent Assessment

A. Let’s Complete!
Complete the following statement with appropriate missing terms. Choose your answer
from the words inside the box.

Second Body Waves Outer Core Longitudinal Waves Slower

1. The P- waves are able to travel through solids and liquids enabling them to travel through

the inner and ______________________ layer of the earth.

2. The S-waves are the ______________________ wave to reach the seismic station.

3. The S-waves travel ______________________ than the P-waves.

4. ______________________ move along the same direction as the wave is travelling.

5. The P-waves and S-waves travel through the earth and so are called as

______________________

B. Let’s Differentiate!
Complete the table below to show the difference between P-waves and S-waves..

Characteristics P-waves S-waves

What are the other

names / terms?

What is the speed of the

waves?

How do they travel?

How are the directions of the

waves travel?

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 What I Have Learned
After accomplishing several activities, do you now realize the significance of studying seismic
waves? Write your own understanding about its importance and what these earthquake waves
can give us.

I learned that……….

_______________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

What I Can Do

Directions: Give one example of technology that uses the concept of seismic wave. Draw the
technology you have chosen.Provide a brief description of the sample technology
and how it is used like in the concept of seismic wave.You may do some
readings in books, other printed materials, and in the internet.

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 Assessment

Read and study each statement about seismic waves. Identify what is being described
by choosing the letter that corresponds to your answer. Write the letter of your answer on the
space provided before each number.

______1. How does secondary seismic waves travel?

a.It travels through gases only
b.It travels through liquids only
c.It travels through solids only
d.It travels through solids and liquids
_____2. What is the other term for P waves?
a.body waves
b.compressional waves
c surface waves
d.transverse waves
_____3. Which of the following is the innermost layer and the deepest part of the earth?
a.crust
b.inner core
c.mantle
d.outer core
_____4. Which part or layer of the Earth can P-waves travel through?
a.inner core only
b.mantle only
c.outer core only
d.outer and inner core
____5. Is primary wave also known as transverse wave?
a.true
b.false
c.slightly true
d.slightly false

____6. Which wave can travel through the inner layers of the earth?
a.Body waves
b.Secondary waves
c.Surface waves
d.Primary waves
____7.Which of the following is NOT TRUE about the primary wave?
a.It is the fastest wave.
b.It is a kind of body wave.
c.It can travel through solids and liquids.
d. It is also known as transverse waves.
_____8. Which of the following is TRUE about the S wave?
a. It is slower than the P wave.
b. It is the fastest kind of seismic wave.
c. It is also known as the longitudinal wave.
d. It is the first to arrive at the seismic station.

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_____9. What phase of matter that secondary wave cannot travel through?

a.gases only
b.liquids only
c.solids only
d.solids and liquids

_____10. How does secondary wave move?

a.It moves side to side as the wave travels backward.

b.It moves horizontally as the wave travels forward.
c.It moves in perpendicular direction and moves in up and down or side to side as
the wave travels forward.
d.It moves vertically as the wave travels backward.

Additional Activity
Based on what you have learned on the topic, supply the missing key words on the
graphic organizer about your knowledge on seismic waves and write the significance of these
information below to help you visualize the interior of the earth.

Seismic Waves

Characteristics Characteristics

Importance of studying earthquake waves such as seismic waves.

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Answer Key
What I Know What I Have Learned
Multiple Choice
1.A Student’s answer may vary.
2.D
3.A What I Can Do
4.C
5.B Student’s answer may vary.
6.B
7.C Assessment
8.A 1.C
9.B 2.B
10.A 3.B
4.D
What’s In 5.B
Let’s Name It! 6.D
7.D
1. EPICENTER 8.A
2. FOCUS 9.B
3. SEISMOLOGIST 10.C
4. SEISMOGRAPH
5. FAULTS Additional Activity
What’s New SEISMIC WAVE
Student’s answer may vary. BODY WAVES
What’s More
P- WAVES
Independent Activity
A.Let’s Classify! First wave can be detected in the seismic station.
1. P The fastest wave
2. P Also known as longitudinal or compressional wave
3. P
4. P S-WAVES
5. S
Second wave can be detected in the seismic
B.Let’s Label! station.
1. Crust – the outermost layer of the earth Slower than P- wave
2. Inner Core – the innermost layer of the earth Also known as tranverse or shear wave
3. Mantle – the middle layer of the earth
4. Outer Core – the liquid portion of the core Student’s answer may vary.
Independent Assessment
A.Let’s Complete!
1.Outer Core
2.second
3.slower
4.Longitudinal Waves
5.Body Waves
B.Let’s Differentiate!
P-waves S-waves
Longitudinal, Compressional Transverse, Shear
Fastest Wave Slower than P-waves
Solids, Liquids, Gases Solids only
Parallel Perpendicular
 References
“Earthquake 2 Origin and Seismic Waves.” Mr. Fox’s Science Classroom.2016. Youtube Video, 9:48.
Accessed July 1, 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndD7JDkoFFc

“Earthquake Shadow Zones.” Mr. O’Brien.2015. Youtube Video, 5:11. Accessed July 1, 2020, https://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2K6k9l9LCrY

Hartman, Larry. “Earth’s Interior Video #4 - Seismic Waves.” Mr. Hartman Science Presents.2018.
Youtube Video, 4:04. Accessed July 1, 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciE1LS3hLmY

Jenks, London. “Earthquake Waves.” Jenksclass Films.2017. Youtube Video, 4:35. Accessed July 1,
2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwY1ICqWGEA&t=197s

Michigan Tech. “Seismic Waves.” UPSeis. Accessed July 1, 2020, http://www.geo.mtu.edu/UPSeis/

waves.html

Miller, Keith. “Demonstrating P and S Seismic Waves.” Keith Miller.2012. Youtube Video, 9:06. Accessed
July 1, 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjRGIpP-Qfw

Science Learner’s Module 8. Philippines: Vibal Publishing House, Inc. 2013

Science Learner’s Module 10. Philippines: Rex Bookstore. 2015

Sengupta, Amit. “How Earthquake occurs and what causes it | Seismic Waves | P and S Waves.”
Geography Simple. Youtube Video, 4:29. Accessed July 1, 2020, https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=uA_OLKfQpYA

Shorey, Chriastian. “Earthquake Seismic Waves.” CVshorey.2016. Youtube Video, 10:09. Accessed
July 1, 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8xg--5GOQg

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 For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:
Department of Education, Schools Division of Bulacan
Curriculum Implementation Division
Learning Resource Management and Development System (LRMDS)
Capitol Compound, Guinhawa St., City of Malolos, Bulacan
Email address: lrmdsbulacan@deped.gov.ph

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