Accelerogram: During ground shaking, one can measure ground

acceleration versus time (Accelerogram) using an Accelerograph.

Accelerograph is the instrument. Accelerogram is the record obtained from it
Accelerogram is the variation of ground acceleration with time (also called
time history of ground motion)
ZPA stands for Zero Period Acceleration Implies max acceleration
experienced by a structure having zero natural period (T=0)
Response spectrum is a very powerful tool.

Unless otherwise mentioned, response spectrum is based on a linear elastic

system
Uses of response spectrum:
To obtain maximum response of a SDOF system (to the original Accelerogram
using which response spectrum was obtained)
To obtain maximum response in a particular mode of vibration of a multi
degree of freedom(MDOF) system
It tells about the characteristics of the ground motion (Accelerogram)
Since SDOF system responds maximum to the waves of frequency near its own
natural frequency, Response spectrum is also a very good way to characterize the
strong ground motion from
engineering view point. For instance, relative strength of low frequency versus high
frequency waves.
By response we may mean any response quantity of interest to us, for example:
Absolute acceleration of the mass Termed as Acceleration Response Spectrum.
Relative velocity of the mass with respect to base Termed as Velocity Response
Spectrum. Relative displacement of the mass with respect to base Termed as
Displacement Response Spectrum.