What happens to the energy produced by blocks of Earth’s crust slipping past each other?(1 point)
Responses
It disappears at it moves through the crust.
It disappears at it moves through the crust.
It spreads out in random directions.
It spreads out in random directions.
It radiates outward in all directions.
It radiates outward in all directions.
It increases as it reaches the surface.
It radiates outward in all directions.
The correct answer is: It radiates outward in all directions.
The correct answer is: "It radiates outward in all directions."
When blocks of the Earth's crust slip past each other in a process called faulting, they release a significant amount of energy in the form of seismic waves. These waves carry the energy away from the source of the earthquake and radiate outward in all directions. These waves can propagate through the Earth's crust, mantle, and even the core. As they travel, the waves can cause vibrations and shaking along their path.
To determine the correct response, you can use prior knowledge about faulting and seismic waves. The energy released by the slipping of crustal blocks is known as seismic energy. This energy does not simply disappear or increase as it reaches the surface, as the options suggest, but instead spreads out in random directions. The correct option states that the energy radiates outward in all directions, which accurately reflects how seismic energy is distributed during an earthquake.