Solve the Problem $M _ { L }$ (On the Richter Scale) of an Earthquake of Intensity

question 155

Multiple Choice

Solve the problem.
-The local magnitude $M _ { L }$ (on the Richter scale) of an earthquake of intensity $I$ is given by $M _ { L } = \log \left( \frac { I } { I _ { 0 } } \right)$ where $I _ { 0 }$ is a minimum reference intensity of a "zero-level" earthquake against which the intensities of other earthquakes may be compared. How many times more intense is an earthquake of magnitude $5.8$ than an earthquake of magnitude $2.9$ ? Round to the nearest whole number.

• A) Approximately 2 times more intense.
• B) Approximately 794 times more intense.
• C) Approximately 481 times more intense.
• D) Approximately 18 times more intense.

---

Definitions:

Equity Method

The Equity Method is an accounting technique used by companies to assess the profits earned by their investments in other companies, recognizing income based on the proportionate share of the investee's net income.

Voting Shares

Shares of a company's stock that give the shareholder the right to vote on matters such as the election of directors and other important issues.

Significant Influence

A level of control in an investment, generally considered to be an ownership interest of 20%–50%, that allows the investor to have a notable impact on the investee's decisions.

Declared Dividends

Dividends announced by a company's board of directors to be paid to shareholders, often as a share of the company's earnings.