Question

One earthquake has MMS magnitude 3.9. If a second earthquake has 120 times as much energy (earth movement) as the first, find the magnitude of the second quake.

Answer 1

The right answer is "5.9". A further solving is provided below.

Explanation:

The given values are:

Initial Magnitude,

M₁ = 3.9

Let Second magnitude be M₂.

Now,

⇒
`M_2-M_1=log((l_2)/(l_1) )`

On substituting the values, we get

⇒
`M_2-3.9 = log (120)`

On putting the value of "log 120", we get

⇒
`M_2-3.9=2.079`

On adding "3.9" both sides, we get

⇒
`M_2-3.9+3.9=2.079+3.9`

⇒
`M_2=5.9`