Solve the problem.
-How many times more intense is an earthquake that measures 8.25 on the Richter scale than the minimum level for comparison? Round answer to the nearest integer.
A) 825
B) 177,827,941
C) 8
D) 83

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Richter scale is a logarithmic scale, which means that each increase of one point represents a tenfold increase in intensity. Therefore, an earthquake that measures 8.25 on the Richter scale is 10^(8.25-x) times more intense than an earthquake that measures x on the Richter scale.

To find out how many times more intense it is than the minimum level for comparison, we need to know what that level is. Let's assume it's 0.5 (although it could be lower).

So, an earthquake that measures 8.25 on the Richter scale is:

10^(8.25-0.5) = 10^7.75 times more intense

Rounding to the nearest integer, we get:

177,827,941 times more intense

Therefore, the best choice is B. The Richter scale is logarithmic, which means that each increase of 1 on the scale represents a tenfold increase in earthquake intensity. Therefore, an earthquake that measures 8.25 on the Richter scale is 10^(8.25-x) times more intense than the minimum level for comparison (where x is the minimum level on the Richter scale). Solving for x, we get x=3.0. Thus, an earthquake that measures 8.25 on the Richter scale is 10^(8.25-3.0) = 177,827,941 times more intense than the minimum level for comparison, which is closest to choice B.

Solve the Problem. -How Many Times More Intense Is an Earthquake That Measures