The magnitude of earthquake 1 is 3.6, and the magnitude of earthquake 2 is 6.9. How do their intensities compare?
A) Earthquake 1 is 1995.26 times as intense as earthquake 2.
B) Earthquake 1 is 3.3 times as intense as earthquake 2.
C) Earthquake 2 is 3.3 times as intense as earthquake 1.
D) Earthquake 2 is 1995.26 times as intense as earthquake 1.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The intensity of an earthquake is determined by the Richter scale, which is logarithmic. This means that for each whole number increase in magnitude, the intensity of the earthquake increases tenfold. Therefore, the difference in magnitude between the two earthquakes is 6.9 - 3.6 = 3.3. Since the scale is logarithmic, we calculate the intensity difference as $10^{3.3}$, which equals approximately 1995.26. Thus, earthquake 2 is 1995.26 times as intense as earthquake 1.

The Magnitude of Earthquake 1 Is 3