Using the Richter magnitude scale, the amplitude of motion in a 7.0 magnitude earthquake is ____ times the motion in a 5.0 magnitude earthquake.
A)1.4
B)2
C)100
D)10
E)32

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Richter scale is logarithmic, meaning each whole number increase on the scale represents a tenfold increase in amplitude. Therefore, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake has an amplitude 10^(7-5) = 10^2 = 100 times greater than a 5.0 magnitude earthquake.

Using the Richter Magnitude Scale, the Amplitude of Motion in a 7.0