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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around comparing the intensity of earthquakes of different magnitudes, specifically magnitude 5 and magnitude 3, using the logarithmic relationship between magnitude and amplitude of ground movement.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the formula relating magnitude to amplitude, with some attempting to express the relationship mathematically. Questions arise about the correct interpretation of the formula and the implications of the magnitudes on intensity.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various attempts to clarify the relationship between the magnitudes and the resulting intensities. Some participants express concerns about the accuracy of previous responses and encourage others to engage more actively in the problem-solving process.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted concern regarding the participation of members, with one participant suggesting that another should attempt the problem before receiving answers. This highlights the forum's emphasis on individual effort in learning.

grant369
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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
 
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M2= 5*m1 => A2 =10^5*a1
 
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?
 
oops my bad, i didn't read the question carefully enough.
 

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