Scientists observe that P and S waves from an earthquake arrive at different times. Which statement best explains how this information helps locate the epicenter?

P waves travel faster than S waves, so they arrive first. The farther the waves travel, the greater the time between their arrivals; scientists use this time gap to estimate the earthquake’s distance from a seismic station. The correct choice is D, “The size of the time gap indicates how far away the epicenter is.”

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