The magnitude of earthquake 1 is 4.7, and the magnitude of earthquake 2 is 8.How do their intensities compare?
A) Earthquake 1 is 1,995.26 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 1,995.26 times as intense as earthquake 1.

Question

The magnitude of earthquake 1 is 4.7, and the magnitude of earthquake 2 is 8.How do their intensities compare? ​
A) Earthquake 1 is 1,995.26 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 1,995.26 times as intense as earthquake 1.

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 increase in energy (intensity). The difference in magnitude between the two earthquakes is 8 - 4.7 = 3.3. Therefore, the intensity of earthquake 2 is $10^{3.3}$ times greater than that of earthquake 1, which calculates to approximately 1995.26 times as intense.

The Magnitude of Earthquake 1 Is 4