As a seismologist with extensive experience in the study of earthquakes and the behavior of seismic waves, I can provide you with a detailed explanation of the types of materials through which P waves can travel. P waves, also known as primary waves or compressional waves, are the fastest moving waves generated by an earthquake. They are characterized by their ability to compress and expand materials as they travel. Here's the information you're looking for: P waves can travel through all three states of matter: solids, liquids, and gases. This is a significant contrast to S waves, or secondary waves, which can only travel through solids. P waves are longitudinal waves, meaning that the particles of the material through which they pass are displaced in the same direction as the wave is moving. As a result, the material is alternately compressed and rarefied, which is why P waves are also referred to as compressional waves. The speed of P waves can vary depending on the material they are traveling through, but on average, they travel through the Earth's crust at a speed of about 5 kilometers per second (3 mi/s). As they move through a material, the particles of the material are slightly pushed together and pulled apart, creating the wave motion. In summary, P waves can travel through any medium that is in a solid, liquid, or gaseous state, and their speed is influenced by the properties of the material they are traversing. read more >>

Primary waves travel through Earth's crust at an average speed of about 5 kilometers per second (3 mi/s). Primary waves can travel through solids, liquids, and gases. As they pass through a material, the particles of the material are slightly pushed together and pulled apart.read more >>