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AThere are a number of different types of seismometers and they all work in slightly differing ways but generally are based around the same principle.

That principle is inertia. Inertia basically means that stationary masses will remain stationary until a force is applied to them. Conceptually a seismometer can be thought of as a weight or mass, suspended by springs in a frame which is bolted to the floor.

When an earthquake occurs the frame which is attached directly to the floor is caused to move by the seismic waves, however the mass / weight on the spring does not as the seismic waves do not directly affect it (their effect is dampened by the inertia of the mass and the springs). If you were to attach a pencil or pen to the weight and a piece of graph paper to the frame so that they were touching the movement of the frame relative to the stationary mass would be recorded.

Modern seismometers are much more complex than this but in essence rely on this principle.

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βˆ™ 13y ago
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βˆ™ 6mo ago

Seismometers detect ground motion caused by seismic waves generated by earthquakes, explosions, or other sources. They consist of a mass suspended in a fixed position with respect to a frame attached to the ground. When the ground shakes, the mass remains relatively still due to inertia, while the frame moves. This relative motion is detected and measured to record the seismic activity.

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βˆ™ 13y ago

A seismogram is what measures the size of a woman's breasts. This is usually used before a mammogram.

This is the most ridiculous answer that i have ever heard. It is similar to a seismograph and its main function is to measure seismic waves, so scientists can determine the magnitude of an earthquake.

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βˆ™ 13y ago

There are a number of different types of seismometers and they all work in slightly differing ways but generally are based around the same principle.

That principle is inertia. Inertia basically means that stationary masses will remain stationary until a force is applied to them. Conceptually a seismometer can be thought of as a weight or mass, suspended by springs in a frame which is bolted to the floor.

When an earthquake occurs the frame which is attached directly to the floor is caused to move by the seismic waves, however the mass / weight on the spring does not as the seismic waves do not directly affect it (their effect is dampened by the inertia of the mass and the springs). If you were to attach a pencil or pen to the weight and a piece of graph paper to the frame so that they were touching the movement of the frame relative to the stationary mass would be recorded.

Modern seismometers are much more complex than this but in essence rely on this principle.

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βˆ™ 11y ago

A seismometer works by sticking a long pipe into the ground. The pipe has motion detectors attached to it, so when there is an earthquake its severity is decided based on how much the pipe moves.

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βˆ™ 10y ago

A seismoscope indicates the time at which an earthquake occurred. This is different from a seismograph, which constantly measures the motion the earthquake causes.

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βˆ™ 9y ago

A motor slowly pulls paper across the table which makes the pen move that makes the pen draw on the paper.

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Q: How do seismometers work?
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Continue Learning about Earth Science

How many seismometers do you need at a given place to fully record the motions arising from earthquake waves?

Typically, at least three seismometers are needed at a given place to fully record the motions arising from earthquake waves. With three seismometers, data can be used to triangulate the epicenter and determine the magnitude of the earthquake. More seismometers can provide more detailed and accurate information about the seismic event.


What instruments do scientists use to detect an earthquake?

Scientists use seismometers to detect earthquakes. Seismometers are instruments that measure the motion of the ground caused by seismic waves. Data collected from multiple seismometers helps scientists locate the epicenter and determine the magnitude of an earthquake.


What is an advantage of using new digital seismometers?

One advantage of new digital seismometers is their ability to provide higher sensitivity and accuracy in detecting seismic activity compared to traditional analog seismometers. They also offer features such as real-time data transmission, remote monitoring, and automated event detection, leading to improved earthquake monitoring and research capabilities.


What predictions can be made using evidence gathered by seismometers?

Seismometers can predict the occurrence of earthquakes by monitoring patterns of seismic activity such as foreshocks or increases in ground vibrations. They can also help identify the location and magnitude of quakes. Additionally, seismometers can provide valuable data for assessing the risk of seismic hazards in a particular area.


Which instruments Used to record intensity of earthquakes?

Seismometers are most commonly used to record the intensity of earthquakes. These instruments detect and measure the seismic waves produced by earthquakes. The data collected from seismometers helps scientists determine the magnitude and location of the earthquake.

Related questions

How do they use seismometers to locate the origin of the earthquake?

You can think of this in the same way that satellites work to find your location for the GPS in your car. An earthquake happens and it is picked up on 3+ seismometers. These seismometers measure the waves that the earthquake produced and the velocity at which they are traveling and you look at where all the seismometer calculations run together. You have the epicenter of your earthquake.


How many seismometers do you need at a given place to fully record the motions arising from earthquake waves?

Typically, at least three seismometers are needed at a given place to fully record the motions arising from earthquake waves. With three seismometers, data can be used to triangulate the epicenter and determine the magnitude of the earthquake. More seismometers can provide more detailed and accurate information about the seismic event.


What has the author Samuel D Stearns written?

Samuel D Stearns has written: 'Applications of the coherence function in comparing seismometers' -- subject(s): Seismometers


What instrument is used to detect vibrations in an earthquake?

Seismometers. For information on how seismometers are used, please see the related question.


How do you know earthquakes happened?

Because they are detected by seismometers.


How many seismometers do you need to record an earthquake?

3


What are ways the scientists can learn about the earths mantle?

seismometers


What type of technology is used to predict earthquakes and volcanos?

seismometers and seismographs


What are the tracings of a seismometers called?

The trace produced by a seismograph is called a seismogram.


How do seismometers help?

Seismometers help by detecting and measuring seismic waves caused by earthquakes or other sources of ground motion. By providing data on the intensity and location of seismic events, seismometers help scientists monitor and study Earth's seismic activity, improve earthquake early warning systems, and assess potential risks to infrastructure and communities.


What instruments do scientists use to detect an earthquake?

Scientists use seismometers to detect earthquakes. Seismometers are instruments that measure the motion of the ground caused by seismic waves. Data collected from multiple seismometers helps scientists locate the epicenter and determine the magnitude of an earthquake.


What frequency does seismometers uses?

Seismometers are interested in the vibrations of the Earth, for different reasons. Some may be interested in the geological process. Some in the response of buildings and other structures. Seismometers can respond to very low frequencies, down towards 1 milli-Hertz. And up to a few hundred Hertz. These machines do not 'use' frequencies, they merely record what is naturally happening.