Solve the problem.
-How many times more intense is an earthquake that measures 7 on the Richter scale than an earthquake that measures 2?
A)5
B)10,000
C)100,000
D)50

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The difference in magnitude between two earthquakes on the Richter scale represents a tenfold increase in ground motion. Therefore, an earthquake that measures 7 is 10,000 times more intense (10 to the power of 5) than an earthquake that measures 2. The Richter scale measures the amount of energy released by an earthquake, and it's a logarithmic scale. For every one-point increase, the earthquake is 10 times more intense. So, an earthquake that measures 7 on the Richter scale is 10^5 (or 100,000) times more intense than an earthquake that measures 2.

Solve the Problem. -How Many Times More Intense Is an Earthquake That Measures