Question

The news says that there was an earthquake of magnitude 7.5 on the Richter scale in Nepal, and there was an earthquake of magnitude 6 on the Richter scale in your hometown. Which of the following would be true?

• A. The earthquake in Nepal is more severe
• B. The earthquake in your hometown was more severe
• C. Both are equally severe
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is A

The earthquake in Nepal is more severe

The intensity of an earthquake is expressed in terms of magnitude on a scale called Richter scale. This is calculated by the recordings of a seismograph. An increase in one unit on the Richter scale implies an increase in the intensity of the magnitude by ten times. Thus, the earthquake of magnitude 7.5 on Richter scale will be much more powerful than the earthquake of magnitude 6 on the Richter scale.