The magnitude M of an earthquake can be calculated by the formula M=log[10](a/a[0]) where A is the maximum amplitude of a seismic wave and A[0] is a standard amplitude used for comparison. Find the magnitude,M, of a quake when log[10}A=4.5 and log[10]A[0]=-18. round your answer to one decimal place.
I will vote for best answer in an hour or so.
I will vote for best answer in an hour or so.
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Let's suppress the base 10 for clarity. Also, I think you meant that log A(0) = –1.8 and not –18 or you'll get a riduclously large answer.
In any event M = log (A/A(0)) = log A – log A(0) = 4.5 – (–1.8) = 4.5 + 1.8 = 6.3
In any event M = log (A/A(0)) = log A – log A(0) = 4.5 – (–1.8) = 4.5 + 1.8 = 6.3