28. A city experienced a major earthquake. The energy released measured 4.9 x 10¹⁵ joules. Calculate the magnitude of the earthquake using the Richter scale. A) 11.3 B) 7.5 C) 17.3 D) 13.4

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Richter scale magnitude can be calculated using the formula $ \log \left( \frac{E}{E_0} \right) $, where $E$ is the energy released in joules and $E_0 = 10^{4.4}$ joules. Plugging in $E = 4.9 \times 10^{15}$ joules, the calculation yields a magnitude of approximately 7.5 on the Richter scale.

28 a City Experienced a Major Earthquake