Question

In 2012, Indonesia experienced an intense earthquake with a magnitude of 8.6 on the Richter scale. In 1952, Uganda experienced an earthquake that measured 6.5 on the Richter scale. Compare the intensities of the two earthquakes. Use a logarithmic model to solve. Round to the nearest whole number.

Answer 1

The intensity of the 2012 earthquake was about 126 times the intensity of the 1952 earthquake.

Explanation:

To compare the intensities, we first need to convert the magnitudes to intensities using the log formula. Then we will set up a ratio to compare the intensities.

Convert the magnitudes to intensities and convert to exponential form.

R=logI

2012 earthquake:

8.6I=logI=108.6

1952 earthquake:

6.5I=logI=106.5

Form a ratio of the intensities.

intensity for 2012intensity for 1952

Substitute in the values and divide by subtracting the exponents to find

108.6106.5102.1≈126.

The intensity of the 2012 earthquake was about 126 times the intensity of the 1952 earthquake.

Answer 2

The intensity of the 2012 earthquake was about 126 times the intensity of the 1952 earthquake.

Explanation:

To compare the intensities, we first need to convert the magnitudes to intensities using the log formula. Then we will set up a ratio to compare the intensities.

Convert the magnitudes to intensities and convert to exponential form.

R=logI

2012 earthquake:

8.6I=logI=108.6

1952 earthquake:

6.5I=logI=106.5

Form a ratio of the intensities.

intensity for 2012intensity for 1952

Substitute in the values and divide by subtracting the exponents to find

108.6106.5102.1≈126.

The intensity of the 2012 earthquake was about 126 times the intensity of the 1952 earthquake.

Your answer:

The intensity of the 1952 earthquake was about 110 times the intensity of the 2012 earthquake.