The magnitude of earthquake 1 is 3.8, and the magnitude of earthquake 2 is 5.5. How do their intensities compare?
A) Earthquake 1 is 50.12 times as intense as earthquake 2.
B) Earthquake 1 is 1.7 times as intense as earthquake 2.
C) Earthquake 2 is 1.7 times as intense as earthquake 1.
D) Earthquake 2 is 50.12 times as intense as earthquake 1.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The intensity of an earthquake is determined using a logarithmic scale (typically the Richter scale), where each whole number increase in magnitude represents a tenfold increase in measured amplitude and roughly 31.6 times more energy release. The difference in magnitude between the two earthquakes is 5.5 - 3.8 = 1.7. Since the scale is logarithmic, a 1.7 increase in magnitude means the intensity of earthquake 2 is $10^{1.7}$ or approximately 50.12 times greater than the intensity of earthquake 1.

The Magnitude of Earthquake 1 Is 3