Consider the following statements : 1. In a seismograph, P waves are recorded earlier than S waves. 2. In P waves, the individual particles vibrate to and fro in the direction of wave propagation whereas in S waves, the particles vibrate up and down at right angles to the direction of wave propagation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct answer is Option 3 (Both 1 and 2) because both statements accurately describe the physical properties of seismic waves.

• Statement 1 is correct: P-waves (Primary waves) are longitudinal waves that travel faster than S-waves (Secondary waves). Due to their higher velocity, P-waves are the first to be detected and recorded by a seismograph after an earthquake occurs, followed by the slower S-waves.
• Statement 2 is correct: This describes the particle motion of each wave type. P-waves are compressional; particles vibrate parallel (to and fro) to the direction of energy propagation. In contrast, S-waves are transverse; particles move perpendicular (up and down or side to side) to the wave's path.

Since P-waves always precede S-waves and their respective vibration patterns are correctly identified, both statements are scientifically sound, making Option 3 the right choice.