This problem uses the Richter scale for the strength of an earthquake. The strength, W , of the seismic waves of an earthquake are compared to the strength, W_0, of the seismic waves of a standard earthquake. The Richter scale rating, M is given by the following equation:
M= log(w/w_0)
Now, consider the Caracas earthquake, which occurred in Venezuela in the year 1967 and had a Richter scale rating of 6.5. How many times more powerful were the seismic waves of the Caracas earthquake than standard seismic waves?

Question

This problem uses the Richter scale for the strength of an earthquake. The strength, W , of the seismic waves of an earthquake are compared to the strength, W_0, of the seismic waves of a standard earthquake. The Richter scale rating, M  is given by the following equation:
 M= log(w/w_0)
Now, consider the Caracas earthquake, which occurred in Venezuela in the year 1967 and had a Richter scale rating of 6.5. How many times more powerful were the seismic waves of the Caracas earthquake than standard seismic waves?

zehanz · Answer

The definition of the logarithm is:$$\log_{a}b=c \Leftrightarrow a^c=b $$If we translate this to the earthquake problem, we get:$$M=\log (\frac{ w }{w_0 }) \Leftrightarrow 10^{6.5}=\frac{ w }{ w_0 }$$This should give you a hint...

anonymous · Answer

what do you plug in for w?