Physics

Shear Wave Velocity Calculator

Find the shear (S-wave) velocity in a solid.

Calculated Output

Shear wave velocity 3,192.35

Formula: v_s = √(G ÷ ρ)

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Values used:

2. Shear modulus = 80 GPa

3. Density = 7,850 kg/m³

5. Shear wave velocity = 3,192.35

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The math behind it

v_s = √(G ÷ ρ). S-waves are slower than P-waves and can't pass through liquids.

Steel (G 80 GPa, ρ 7850) → about 3192 m/s.

Why can't S-waves cross the outer core?

Liquids have no shear modulus, so shear waves can't propagate through them.