This problem uses the Richter scale for the strength of an earthquake. The strength, W, of the seismic waves of an earthquake are compared to the strength, W_0, of the seismic waves of a standard earthquake. The Richter scale rating, M is given by the following equation:

M = log (w/w_0)

Now, consider the Caracas earthquake, which occurred in Venezuela in the year 1967 and had a Richter scale rating of 6.5. How many times more powerful were the seismic waves of the Caracas earthquake than standard seismic waves?

Question

Colt

Mathematics

11 February, 08:21

This problem uses the Richter scale for the strength of an earthquake. The strength, W, of the seismic waves of an earthquake are compared to the strength, W_0, of the seismic waves of a standard earthquake. The Richter scale rating, M is given by the following equation:

M = log (w/w_0)

Now, consider the Caracas earthquake, which occurred in Venezuela in the year 1967 and had a Richter scale rating of 6.5. How many times more powerful were the seismic waves of the Caracas earthquake than standard seismic waves?

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Answers (1)

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Gloria Ferguson · Answer 1

By using formula given above, M = log (w/w_0), we can find

10^M = w/w_0, it means 10^M. w_0, = w

but M=6.5, so 10^6.5=3162277,66

the seismic waves of the Caracas earthquake were 3162277,66 times more powerful of the standard seismic waves