Final answer:
Taller buildings have lower natural frequency due to resonance and standing waves that can occur at their specific height. When seismic activity or fluctuating winds cause the building to vibrate at its natural frequency, the oscillations can become destructive. This explains why taller buildings are more vulnerable to collapse compared to shorter buildings.
Step-by-step explanation:
Taller buildings have lower natural frequency because their height matches the condition for setting up a standing wave at that specific height. When seismic activity or fluctuating winds cause the building to vibrate at its natural frequency, resonance can occur and cause the building to oscillate and potentially collapse. This is why taller buildings are often devastated while shorter buildings remain intact.