An earthquake was recorded as $10 ^ { 6.5 }$ times more powerful than a reference level zero earthquake. What was the magnitude of this earthquake on the Richter scale? $\mathrm { R } = \log \left( \frac { \mathrm { I } } { \mathrm { I } _ { 0 } } \right)$.
A) 3.5
B) 6.5
C) 16.5
D) 15

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Richter scale magnitude ($R$) is calculated as the logarithm (base 10) of the ratio of the intensity of the earthquake ($I$) to a reference level intensity ($I_0$). Given $I/I_0 = 10^{6.5}$, substituting into the formula $R = \log(10^{6.5})$ gives $R = 6.5$.

An Earthquake Was Recorded As 106.510 ^ { 6.5 }106.5 Times More Powerful Than a Reference Level Zero Earthquake

An Earthquake Was Recorded As $10 ^ { 6.5 }$ Times More Powerful Than a Reference Level Zero Earthquake