A scientist is studying the energy released by the latest earthquake in Mexico City, with a magnitude of 7.2. Using the logarithmic equation that measures the amount of energy an earthquake releases, how many Ergs of energy were released from this particular earthquake?
The logarithmic equation that measures the amount of energy an earthquake releases is given by:
E = 10^(1.5M + 4.8)
where E is the energy released in Ergs and M is the magnitude of the earthquake.
Substituting the given magnitude of 7.2 into the equation:
E = 10^(1.5*7.2 + 4.8)
E = 10^(10.8 + 4.8)
E = 10^15.6
Calculating 10 to the power of 15.6:
E ≈ 39810717055349800000
Therefore, approximately 3.981 × 10^19 Ergs of energy were released from this particular earthquake.