A seismometer is an instrument used to detect and measure the vibrations caused by earthquakes and other seismic activities. It works by using a mass suspended on a spring, which remains stationary while the ground moves during an earthquake. The movement of the ground causes the mass to shift, and this motion is recorded as a seismogram, providing valuable data about the earthquake's strength and duration. Seismometers are essential tools in the field of seismology, the study of earthquakes and the Earth's internal structure. They help scientists understand the behavior of fault lines and predict potential seismic events, contributing to improved safety measures in earthquake-prone areas.