Question

Richter Scale Formula clarification

Answer 1

\[R=\log_{10} (\frac{ I }{ I _{o} })\] What does \[I _{o}\] represent?

Answer 2

i believe it represents the intensity of a "standard" earthquake to which all others are compared to

Answer 3

Is there a value to it?

Answer 4

i think it would be 1 but it depends since the whole scale is relative, the value inside the log is always a ratio of one earthquake compared to another

Answer 5

Okay, thanks, so it a constant and it will always be given in a question right?

Answer 6

yes