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?

Answer 1

By using formula given above, M= log(w/w_0), we can find 
10^M= w/w_0, it means 10^M.w_0,= w
but M=6.5, so 10^6.5=3162277,66

the seismic waves of the Caracas earthquake were 3162277,66 times more powerful of the standard seismic waves