Earthquake A gave a reading of 5 on the Richter scale, and earthquake B gave a reading of 8 on the Richter scale. Which earthquake was stronger, and how many times stronger was it?(1 point)

Responses

Earthquake B is 30 times stronger because it is 3 higher on the Richter scale.
Earthquake B is 30 times stronger because it is 3 higher on the Richter scale.

Earthquake B is 1,000 times stronger because it is 3 higher on the Richter scale.
Earthquake B is 1,000 times stronger because it is 3 higher on the Richter scale.

Earthquake A is 1,000 times stronger because it is 3 higher on the Richter scale.
Earthquake A is 1,000 times stronger because it is 3 higher on the Richter scale.

Earthquake A is 30 times stronger because it is 3 higher on the Richter scale.
Earthquake A is 30 times stronger because it is 3 higher on the Richter scale.
Skip to navigation

1 answer

Earthquake B is 1,000 times stronger because it is 3 higher on the Richter scale.

On the Richter scale, each whole number increase represents a tenfold increase in measured amplitude and approximately 31.6 times more energy release. Therefore, an earthquake measuring 8 is approximately \(10^3\) (or 1,000) times more powerful than one measuring 5.