Final answer:
Resonance due to seismic forces occurs when the frequency of seismic waves matches the natural frequency of a structure, leading to increased amplitude of oscillation, but does not always occur and depends on many factors, not just amplitude. So, the correct option is D.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question "Do seismic forces produce resonance?" deals with the physical phenomena associated with seismic waves interacting with structures. The correct answer to this question is '(d) It depends on the amplitude', but simply choosing this option does not fully capture the complexity of the situation. Seismic forces can produce resonance when the frequency of seismic waves matches the natural frequency of a structure or object, causing it to oscillate with greater amplitude. This phenomenon does not always occur and is dependent upon a variety of conditions, such as the structural characteristics of the building and the properties of the seismic waves.
Seismic waves vary in speed depending on the properties of the materials they travel through, not the "size of the medium". Therefore, the speed of seismic waves is not solely determined by their amplitude. Similarly, a sonic boom is related to the speed of the source exceeding the speed of sound, while factors like amplitude play a different role in the energy conveyed by the wave. Furthermore, in forced oscillations, constant amplitude is maintained by an external force that periodically delivers energy to the system at the natural frequency of oscillation.
A closer look at earthquakes reveals that certain conditions can lead to resonance in buildings. If a building has a natural frequency that matches the frequency of the earthquake waves, resonance can occur, potentially causing greater damage to that building while leaving others unaffected. This specific resonance interaction is the result of the building height matching the condition for setting up a standing wave.