Final answer:
Gymnasiums and churches are more likely to experience damage during an earthquake compared to family homes. The roofs of gymnasiums and churches have large surface areas and are supported only at the edges, making them more susceptible to collapse. Additionally, the height of a building can also contribute to its vulnerability.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gymnasiums and churches are more likely to experience damage during an earthquake compared to family homes. This is predominantly due to the design and characteristics of these buildings.
The roofs of gymnasiums and churches have large surface areas and are supported only at the edges. These roofs can resonate at the frequencies of the earthquake waves, causing them to collapse. In contrast, family homes typically have smaller roofs that are better supported, which minimizes the risk of collapse.
Additionally, the height of a building can also play a role. Often, buildings of a certain height are more devastated in comparison to taller buildings. This is because the height of the building matches the condition for setting up a standing wave of that particular height.