Math Is Fun Forum

Bada

Member

Registered: 2009-07-14

Posts: 8

Rickter scale

heloo everybody i no i've been asking a lot of questions...sorry but thanks a lo for ur help
heres another one:

TWo earthqaukes have magnitudes that differ by 7 on a Ricktor scale. What is the corresponding ratio of their intensities?
thank u so much

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Rickter scale

The richter scale is a base 10 system so comparing a 2 on the richter scale to a 9 is a factor of 10^7, meaning it has 10 000 000 times greater shaking amplitude (up and down motion).

For the power difference it is raised to the 3/2 for instance.

For the difference in power between a 3 and a 4 we have:

times more destructive power.

So for a difference of 7

times more destructive power.

This page explains all this and more:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richter_magnitude_scale

Last edited by bobbym (2009-07-15 00:07:18)

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In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

Bada

Member

Registered: 2009-07-14

Posts: 8

Re: Rickter scale

thank uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu:D its so simple i thought there was an equation liek with decibels

Bada

Member

Registered: 2009-07-14

Posts: 8

Re: Rickter scale

For the power difference it is raised to the 3/2 for instance.

wait i dont understand this:S

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Rickter scale

Hi Bada;

What don't you understand? Can you put it into words?

---

In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.