Question

How is the magnitude of the earthquake related to the collapse of houses?

Answer 1

1. If the magnitude of an earthquake is high, it results in extensive destruction of buildings.
2. There are three types of seismic waves: primary waves, secondary waves, and surface waves.
3. After the primary waves, the secondary waves reach the Earth's surface. These waves are more destructive than the primary waves.
4. The movement of particles in the materials in the path of these waves is longitudinal and vertical relative to the direction of the waves.
5. Consequently, buildings on the Earth's surface sway up and down, leading to the collapse of structures.