If the magnitude of an earthquake is 6.5,

find the relative intensity

1 answer

The relative intensity of an earthquake on the Richter scale is determined by the magnitude, using the equation:

I = 10^(1.5M + 4.8)

Where M is the magnitude of the earthquake.

Using this formula, we can calculate the relative intensity of the earthquake with a magnitude of 6.5 as follows:

I = 10^(1.5(6.5) + 4.8)
I = 10^(9.75 + 4.8)
I = 10^14.55

Therefore, the relative intensity of an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.5 is approximately equal to 3.16 x 10^14.