Correct Option
The correct option is 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
Earthquake waves, or seismic waves, travel through the Earth's interior and interact with layers of varying densities. These interactions determine the path and velocity of the waves, primarily through the physical processes of reflection and refraction.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. Reflection causes waves to rebound or bounce back when they encounter a boundary between materials of different densities. The statement incorrectly suggests that reflection occurs "without rebounding," whereas rebounding is the fundamental characteristic of reflection.
- Statement 2 is Correct. Refraction refers to the bending of waves as they pass through materials of differing densities. As the density changes, the velocity of the wave changes, causing the wave to move in different directions (bend) rather than travel in a straight line.
- Statement 3 is Correct. Seismographs record the arrival times and amplitudes of seismic waves. By analyzing these records, seismologists can infer the path, velocity, and variations in the direction of the waves, revealing the internal structure of the Earth.
Key Takeaway: Seismic waves undergo reflection (rebounding off boundaries) and refraction (bending due to density changes) as they propagate through the Earth's interior.