Solve the problem.
-If an earthquake measured 5.2 on the Richter scale, what was the approximate intensity of the earthquake in terms of $$\mathrm { I } _ { 0 }$$ ? Intensity on the Richter scale is $$\log _ { 10 } \left( \mathrm { I } / \mathrm { I } _ { 0 } \right)$$
A) 130,000 I0
B) 160,000 I0
C) 180 I0
D) 16,000 I0

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Given the formula for intensity on the Richter scale is $\log_{10} \left( \frac{I}{I_0} \right)$, and the earthquake measured 5.2 on the Richter scale, we can set up the equation as $5.2 = \log_{10} \left( \frac{I}{I_0} \right)$. To solve for $\frac{I}{I_0}$, we rewrite the equation in exponential form: $10^{5.2} = \frac{I}{I_0}$. Calculating $10^{5.2}$ gives approximately 158,489, which is closest to 160,000. Therefore, the intensity of the earthquake in terms of $I_0$ is approximately 160,000 $I_0$.

Solve the Problem I0\mathrm { I } _ { 0 }I0​

Solve the Problem $\mathrm { I } _ { 0 }$