14
QuizMultiple Choice

Earthquakes — Quiz

Question 14 • Earth and Space Science

What is the relationship between wave amplitude and magnitude?

Answer
A
A 10 times increase in amplitude increases magnitude by 1.
B
Magnitude increases linearly with amplitude.
C
A 2 times increase in amplitude increases magnitude by 1.
D
Wave amplitude and magnitude are unrelated.

Explanation

Earthquake magnitude is measured on a logarithmic scale: a wave with 10 times the amplitude corresponds to an increase of 1 in magnitude. So the correct choice is “A 10 times increase in amplitude increases magnitude by 1.”

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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