Given that the Richter scale is a base 10- logarithmic measure of the amplitude of an earthquake…(math help)?
Jul 29, 2010
in
Earthquake Questions
Given that the Richter scale is a base 10- logarithmic measure of the amplitude of an earthquake, determine how much stronger an earthquake that measures 6.9 is than one that measures 5.4.
How do you do this?? Explanation and answer please 
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2 comments
Denis S on July 29, 2010 at 10:48 pm
6.9 really is 10^(6.9) and 5.4 is 10^(5.4).
Therefore in terms of intensity,
D=10^(6.9)/10^(5.4)=10^(6.9-5.4)=10^(1.5)=31.6
The 6.9 earthquake is 31.6 times stronger than the 5.4 earthquake.
cidyah on July 29, 2010 at 10:48 pm
6.9-5.4 = 1.5
The earthquake is 10^1.5 times stronger.
That is, 31.6228 times stronger