Asked by 1230
How many more times intense is an earthquake that measures 8 on the Richter scale than an earthquake that measures 5? Explain your answer.
All Answers 1
Answered by
GPT-5 mini
AI
The Richter magnitude is logarithmic. A difference of 1 means 10× the ground-motion amplitude and about 31.6× the energy released.
Difference = 8 − 5 = 3.
- Amplitude (ground motion) ratio = 10^3 = 1000.
So the M8 quake has 1000 times larger seismic wave amplitude than the M5.
- Energy ratio = 10^(1.5·3) = 10^4.5 ≈ 31,623.
So the M8 releases ≈ 31,600 times more energy than the M5.
(Which interpretation of “intense” is intended determines which number you use.)
Difference = 8 − 5 = 3.
- Amplitude (ground motion) ratio = 10^3 = 1000.
So the M8 quake has 1000 times larger seismic wave amplitude than the M5.
- Energy ratio = 10^(1.5·3) = 10^4.5 ≈ 31,623.
So the M8 releases ≈ 31,600 times more energy than the M5.
(Which interpretation of “intense” is intended determines which number you use.)
Submit Your Answer
We prioritize human answers over AI answers.
If you are human, and you can answer this question, please submit your answer.