The magnitude of earthquake 1 is 4.4, and the magnitude of earthquake 2 is 5.6. How do their intensities compare?
A) Earthquake 1 is 15.85 times as intense as earthquake 2.
B) Earthquake 1 is 1.2 times as intense as earthquake 2.
C) Earthquake 2 is 1.2 times as intense as earthquake 1.
D) Earthquake 2 is 15.85 times as intense as earthquake 1.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The intensity of earthquakes is measured using the Richter scale, which is logarithmic. This means that a 5.6 magnitude earthquake is 101.8 times more intense than a 4.4 magnitude earthquake. Therefore, earthquake 2 is 15.85 (square root of 101.8) times more intense than earthquake 1.

The Magnitude of Earthquake 1 Is 4