How intense is an earthquake of magnitude 5 compared to magnitude 3?

In summary, the conversation discusses the comparison between the ground movement of an earthquake with a magnitude of 5 and a magnitude of 3. TedM2 explains that the intensity is determined using the formula M = log A. Grant369 is asked to determine the intensity of both earthquakes and calculate how many times larger A1 is compared to A2.
  • #1
grant369
4
0
How many times more intense is the ground movement of an earthquake of magnitude 5 as compared with a magnitude of 3? Using M = log A.

Ted
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
M2= 5*m1 => A2 =10^5*a1
 
  • #3
huyen vyvy should not have answered this question since grant369 did not even attempt to do it himself. Fortunately, the answer huyen vyvy gives is wrong!

grant369, at least TRY! As huyen vyvy did, call the the intensity of the first earhquake A1. Your formula says log A1= 5. What is A1? Call the intensity of the second earthquake A2. You formula says log A2= 3. What is A2? A1 is how many times larger than A2?
 
  • #4
oops my bad, i didn't read the question carefully enough.
 

What is a logarithmic function?

A logarithmic function is a mathematical function that represents the inverse of an exponential function. It is used to solve problems involving exponential growth or decay.

What is the general form of a logarithmic function?

The general form of a logarithmic function is f(x) = logb(x), where b is the base of the logarithm.

What is the relationship between logarithmic and exponential functions?

The relationship between logarithmic and exponential functions is that they are inverses of each other. This means that if f(x) = logb(x) and g(x) = bx, then f(g(x)) = x and g(f(x)) = x.

How do you graph a logarithmic function?

To graph a logarithmic function, you first need to determine the domain and range of the function. Then, plot a few points by choosing values for x and using the general form of the function. Finally, connect the points to form a smooth curve.

What are some real-world applications of logarithmic functions?

Logarithmic functions are used in many real-world applications, such as measuring earthquake intensity, calculating pH levels, and modeling population growth. They are also used in finance and economics to calculate compound interest and inflation rates.

Similar threads

  • Earth Sciences
Replies
2
Views
942
Replies
1
Views
831
Replies
0
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • General Math
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
943
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
2
Views
2K
Back
Top