Approximately how much more energy is released in a 6.5 Richter magnitude earthquake than in one with magnitude 5.5?
A) 3200 times
B) 32 times
C) 10 times
D) 100 times

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Richter scale is logarithmic, meaning each whole number increase on the scale represents a tenfold increase in measured amplitude and approximately 31.6 times more energy release. Therefore, a 6.5 magnitude earthquake releases about 31.6 times more energy than a 5.5 magnitude earthquake, which is approximately 32 times.

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