Final answer:
The Chile earthquake of 1960 had a magnitude of 9.5, making it the most powerful earthquake ever recorded, causing tsunamis and widespread destruction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The force of the Chile earthquake of 1960, also known as the Great Chilean Earthquake, was incredibly powerful. It is recorded as the most potent earthquake in history with a magnitude of 9.5 on the moment magnitude scale. This massive earthquake struck Chile on May 22, 1960, and its force was so strong that it caused local tsunamis that affected the Chilean coast and other distant areas, including Hawaii, Japan, and the Philippines. Additionally, it caused a significant number of casualties and widespread destruction to infrastructure, making it one of the most devastating natural disasters of the 20th century.