Mechanical versions work by way of a large mass, freely suspended. However, the large mass tends to stay still, so the drum shakes beneath the pen, recording a squiggle! A seismometer is the internal part of the seismograph , which may be a pendulum or a mass mounted on a spring; however, it is often used synonymously with "seismograph". Generally, it consists of a mass attached to a fixed base. By signing up, you'll get thousands of step-by-step solutions to your homework questions. Wiki User March 23, 2011 3:44AM. A seismometer is an instrument that responds to ground motions, such as caused by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and explosions. Seismometer or seismograph is an instrument that measures motions of the ground, including those generated by earthquakes, nuclear explosions, and other sources. Seismographs are instruments used to record the motion of the ground during an earthquake. Seismic records can be used to determine the location of the epicentre of the earthquake. Mechanical versions work by way of a large mass, freely suspended. A seismogram is a print out of the seismic data recorded by the seismometer. How does a seismometer work? The pipe has motion detectors attached to it, so when there is an earthquake its severity is decided based on how much the pipe moves. Therefore, most seismographs involve a large mass of some sort. A seismograph is a device for measuring the movement of the earth, and consists of a ground-motion detection sensor, called a seismometer… How Does a Seismometer Work? Traditionally, the suspended mass was a pendulum, but most modern seismometers work electromagnetically. In the example on … In the example on the left, a rotating drum records a red line on a sheet of paper. The output of such a device—formerly recorded on paper (see picture) or film, now recorded and processed digitally—is a seismogram. The more violent the quake the grater the amplitude of the wiggle. A seismometer works by sticking a long pipe into the ground. During an earthquake, the … Answer to: How does a seismometer work? This is a simple seismogragh. A large permanent magnet is used for the mass and the outside case contains numerous coils of fine wire. If the earth moves (in this case from left to right) the whole machine will vibrate too.. How do they work? Modern seismographs use electronics to increase the sensitivity of the instrument and to allow the transmission of the readings to remote locations so that the seismologist does not need to go to each one to find out what has happened where. During an earthquake, the seismometer remains still while the case around it moves with the ground shaking. Seismometers are usually combined with a timing device and a recording device to form a seismograph. A seismograph, or seismometer, is an instrument used to detect and record earthquakes. Seismometers A seismometer records the vibrations from earthquakes. Answer. A seismometer is the modern instrument used to measure seismic waves. Records of seismic waves called seismograms allow to map the interior of the Earth, and locate and … A seismometer records the vibrations from earthquakes. You could make a very simple seismograph by hanging a large weight from a rope over a table.