Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 11: Problem 7

How much more energy is released by an M7.3 earthquake compared with an M5.3 earthquake?

Short Answer

Expert verified
An M7.3 earthquake releases 1000 times more energy than an M5.3 earthquake.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the magnitudes of the earthquakes

The magnitudes of the two earthquakes are M1 = 7.3 and M2 = 5.3.
02

Apply the energy ratio formula

Using the energy ratio formula, we have: Energy Ratio = 10^(1.5*(M1-M2))
03

Substitute the magnitudes into the formula

Now, we substitute the values of M1 and M2 into the formula: Energy Ratio = 10^(1.5*(7.3-5.3))
04

Calculate the difference in magnitudes

Next, we calculate the difference in magnitudes 7.3 - 5.3 = 2.0 So, the equation becomes: Energy Ratio = 10^(1.5 * 2.0)
05

Multiply the exponent

Multiply the exponent: 1.5 * 2.0 = 3.0 The equation now becomes: Energy Ratio = 10^3.0
06

Calculate the energy ratio

Finally, we calculate the energy ratio: Energy Ratio = 10^3 = 1000 Thus, an M7.3 earthquake releases 1000 times more energy than an M5.3 earthquake.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Define the term earthquake.

How does elastic rebound theory help to explain how earthquakes happen?

What is a rupture surface, and how does the area of a rupture surface relate to earthquake magnitude?

What is an aftershock and what is the relationship between aftershocks and stress transfer?

Explain the difference between magnitude and intensity as expressions of the size of an earthquake.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Geography Textbooks

Geographical Skills

Read Explanation

Globalisation

Read Explanation

Energy Security

Read Explanation

Health And Human Rights

Read Explanation

Coasts Geography

Read Explanation

Superpowers of the World

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free