Question

A seismograph has a heavy weight that is hung from a spring. What would happen if the weight were attached to a rod instead of a spring?

The weight would not oscillate.
The weight would oscillate.
The pen would not make contact with the paper.
The seismogram would not be accurate.
The seismograph would not function.
(SELECT AT LEAST 2)

Answer 1

Attaching the weight of a seismograph to a rod instead of a spring would prevent oscillation, leading to an inaccurate seismogram, and render the seismograph nonfunctional for its intended purpose.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a seismograph had the weight attached to a rod instead of a spring, the weight would not oscillate because a rod would not have the flexible, elastic properties necessary for oscillation, which are essential in recording the vibrations caused by seismic waves. Additionally, the seismogram would not be accurate because without the oscillation, the pen would either remain static or move directly with the rod, failing to record the necessary details of the seismic waves on the paper. Without proper oscillation and accurate recordings, it can also be concluded that the seismograph would not function correctly in its purpose of detecting and recording earth tremors.