The magnitude, M, of an earthquake is defined to be M=log I/S, where I is the intensity of the earthquake (measured by the amplitude of the seismograph wave) and S is the intensity of a "standard" earthquake, which is barely detectable. What is the magnitude of an earthquake that is 35 times more intense than a standard earthquake? Use a calculator. Round your answer to the nearest tenth.

-1.5?

-0.5?

1.5?

3.6?

Question

Mathematics

Nancy Cooley

31 July, 19:56

The magnitude, M, of an earthquake is defined to be M=log I/S, where I is the intensity of the earthquake (measured by the amplitude of the seismograph wave) and S is the intensity of a "standard" earthquake, which is barely detectable. What is the magnitude of an earthquake that is 35 times more intense than a standard earthquake? Use a calculator. Round your answer to the nearest tenth.

-1.5?

-0.5?

1.5?

3.6?

+1

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Ryan Yang · Answer 1

Given:

M = log I/S

M = magnitude

I = intensity of the earthquake

S = intensity of the standard earthquake

The minimum intensity of a standard earthquake is 10.

Intensity of the earthquake is 35 times the standard earthquake. So,

10 x 35 = 350

M = log 350/10

M = log 35

M = 1.544 or 1.5 Third option