What instrument is used to measure and record earthquake ground motion?
- ABarometer
- BSeismographCorrect
- CSeismometer
- DSeismogram
Solution
Concept
Instruments for measuring earthquake ground motion
Formula
NONE
Step-by-step solution
1. Instruments for recording seismic ground motion measure ground displacement or acceleration during earthquakes. Answer: B
Explanation
A seismograph is a specialized instrument designed to detect, measure, and record the ground motion caused by seismic waves during an earthquake. While a seismometer senses the motion, a seismograph includes the recording device that produces the visual graph or record of the ground movement. Therefore, option B is the correct instrument for measuring and recording earthquake motion.
Why the other options are wrong
A) A barometer measures atmospheric pressure, not ground motion. C) A seismometer measures ground motion but does not record it directly into a graph.
Shortcut
Graph records motion: Seismograph measures and records earthquake ground motion.
Common mistake
Confusing a seismograph with a seismometer or seismogram and selecting option C or D.
Correct answer: B) Seismograph