27. If a seismologist records the energy of P waves as 4.7 x 10¹² joules and the energy of S waves as 3.4 x 10⁹ joules, what is the total energy? What would the combined effect be on the Richter scale? A) Total energy is 4.7 x 10¹² joules and 5.5 on the Richter scale B) Total energy is 8.1 x 10^21.0 joules and 5.5 on the Richter scale C) Total energy is 1.3 x 10³ joules and 5.5 on the Richter scale D) Total energy is 1.6 x 10^22.0 joules and 5.5 on the Richter scale

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The total energy is the sum of the energies of P waves and S waves: 4.7 x 10^12 + 3.4 x 10^9 = 4.7034 x 10^12 joules, which is approximately 4.7 x 10^12 joules. The combined effect on the Richter scale is given as 5.5.

27 If a Seismologist Records the Energy of P Waves