Chapter 11, Problem 1GST

To determine

The concept of elastic-rebound theory and an example to illustrate the concept other than rubber band.

Answer to Problem 1GST

The elastic-rebound theory explains how energy can release during an earthquake, and an example other than rubber band is a door attached with spring.

Explanation of Solution

Earthquakes are episodes of ground shaking. Earthquake damage results from ground shaking, landslides, sediment liquefaction, fire, and tsunamis.

The earthquakes occur due to the buildup of stresses; the stress acting on the walls of the faults will make the rocks to deform elastically till the faulting happens. Then, the deformed rocks will try to retain their structure by a sudden vibration. This phenomenon is termed as elastic-rebound.

The other example that illustrates elastic-rebound is a door attached with spring. When the door is open, the spring pulls back the door into its original position. Most of the strong earthquakes are produced due to the rapid release of elastic stress. As a result, the rocks will elastically retain their original shape.