Question

Earthquakes at two places $A$ and $B$ were measured by a seismograph which recorded the magnitude as $2$ and $4$. The magnitude of tremors and their destructive energy at $A$ and $B$ can be compared as:

• A. Tremors at $B$ are two times that at place $A$
• B. Tremors at $B$ are four times that at place $A$
• C. Tremors at $B$ are $100$ times that at place $A$
• D. Tremors at $B$ are $1000$ times that at place $A$

Answer 1

The correct option is D Tremors at $B$ are $1000$ times that at place $A$

Richter scale is not linear. An earthquake of magnitude $4$ is not twice destructive as an earthquake of magnitude $2$. An increase of $2$ in magnitude means $1000$ times more destructive energy. Therefore, Tremors at $B$ are $1000$ more destructive energy than that at place $A$.