According to the moment magnitude scale (Mw)-a magnitude 8 earthquake results in 1,000 times greater amplitude than a magnitude ____________ earthquake.
A) 9
B) 5
C) 7
D) 4

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the moment magnitude scale, each increase of one whole number represents a tenfold increase in amplitude. Therefore, an earthquake with a magnitude of 8 has 10 times greater amplitude than an earthquake with a magnitude of 7, which has 10 times greater amplitude than an earthquake with a magnitude of 6, and so on. In order to have 1,000 times greater amplitude than a magnitude 8 earthquake, we would need an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.

According to the Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw)-A Magnitude 8 Earthquake