How many kilowatt-hours does an earthquake measuring a magnitude 2 have?

Question

express your answer in decimal form

Answer 1

Formula:

R = 0.67log(0.37E) + 1.46

where E is the energy in kwh released by the earthquake

R = richter magnitude

Given: R = 2, Solve for E

2 = 0.67log(0.37E) + 1.46

2-1.46 = 0.67 log(0.37E)

0.54 = 0.67 log (0.37E)

0.54 / 0.67 = log (0.37E)

0.806 = log (0.37E) ---> base 10

but recall that log _a (y) = x, and a^x = y therefore:

10^0.806 = 0.37E

divide equation by 0.37

E = (10^0.806) / 0.37 = 17.29 kwh

For notes, go to: https://hanabaskin.weebly.com/uploads/5/5/4/7/55478361/11-18_notes.pdf