how much more powerful is one with the higher reading?

Question

two earthquakes were measured at central park 3-4-2007. it was found that the two differ by half a point.

hint the subway has no effect.

Answer 1

Earthquakes are measured on a logarithmic scale because they can vary by such great amounts.

In a "log" scale, going up 1 digit actually means an increase by a factor of 10 in power. You can take the number 10 and raise it to the power given.

For example, 10^2 is 100, 10^3 is 1000, so 3 is 10 x 2.

10^2.5 = 316, so the .5 increase in power is actually 3.16 x the 10^2 power.