As a geophysicist with expertise in seismology, I can provide you with an accurate explanation regarding the propagation of P and S waves. P waves, also known as primary waves or compressional waves, are longitudinal waves that can travel through solids, liquids, and gases. They are characterized by particle motion in the same direction as the wave propagation. This is similar to how sound waves, which are a type of compressional wave, can travel through all three states of matter. On the other hand, S waves, also known as secondary waves or shear waves, are transverse waves that can only travel through solids. They cause particles to move perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. In gases, there are no forces acting between particles that would allow for the necessary shearing motion that S waves require. So, to summarize: - P waves can travel through solids, liquids, and gases. - S waves can only travel through solids. read more >>

This explains why sound waves (which are a type of compressional wave) can travel through solids, liquids and gases. P waves are compressional waves. Therefore, they too can travel through solids, liquids and gases. Shear waves can travel only through solids.read more >>