This problem uses the Richter scale for the strength of an earthquake. The strength, W , of the seismic waves of an earthquake a
re 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?