The main difference between the Richter scale and the Mercalli intensity scale is _____.

Question

There is no real difference between these scales.
the Richter measures up to an 8.0 scale while the Mercalli measures up to 12
the Richter measures multiple sources of energy being released while the Mercalli measures energy released from the epicenter or focus
the Richter measures the energy released from an earthquake while the Mercalli measures the effects of an earthquake

Answer 1

The main difference between the Richter scale and the Mercalli intensity scale is the Richter measures the energy released from an earthquake while the Mercalli measures the effects of an earthquake.

The Richter scale quantifies the amount of seismic energy released by an earthquake, providing a single numerical value based on the amplitude of seismic waves. In contrast, the Mercalli scale assesses the intensity of shaking and the impact on people and structures, varying based on location and conditions.