In 1964, the United States experienced an intense earthquake with a magnitude of 9.2 on the Richter scale. In 2008, China experienced an earthquake that measured 7.9 on the Richter scale. Compare the intensities of the two earthquakes. Use a logarithmic model to solve. Round to the nearest whole number.

The intensity of the 1964 earthquake was about 20 times the intensity of the 2008 earthquake.

Step-by-step explanation:

To compare the intensities, we first need to convert the magnitudes to intensities using the log formula. Then we will set up a ratio to compare the intensities.

Convert the magnitudes to intensities and write them in exponential form.

R=logI

1964 earthquake:

9.2I=logI=109.2

2008 earthquake:

7.9I=logI=107.9

Form a ratio of the intensities.

intensity for 1964intensity for 2008

Substitute in the values and divide by subtracting the exponents to find

109.2107.9101.3≈20.

The intensity of the 1964 earthquake was about 20 times the intensity of the 2008 earthquake.

Your

The intensity of the 2008 earthquake was about 30 times the intensity of the 1964 earthquake.

2

step-by-step explanation: