Precalculus: Mathematics for Calculus, 7th Edition

Published by Brooks Cole
ISBN 10: 1305071751
ISBN 13: 978-1-30507-175-9

Chapter 4 - Section 4.7 - Logarithmic Scales - 4.7 Exercises - Page 386: 14

Answer

2.5 times more intense

Work Step by Step

Given the magnitude equation $M = \log \frac{I}{S}$ with $S = 10^{-4}$ The question asks for how much more intense the 1995 Kobe earthquake (M = 7.2) was compared to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake (M = 6.8) S is a constant that is already factored into the Magnitudes, so the $10^{-4}$ isn't necessary $(7.2- 6.8) = \log I$ $10^{0.4} = {I}$ $I = 2.5$ times more intense
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