Given below are two statements: Statement I: The Richter scale measures not…
2023
Given below are two statements:
Statement I: The Richter scale measures not only the intensity of an earthquake itself but also its impact on people.
Statement II: The Modified Mercalli scale measures an earthquake in terms of the energy released.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
Answer: B. Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect — CONCEPTEarthquake magnitude and earthquake intensity describe different properties. Magnitude is an instrument-based estimate of the energy released at the…
- A.
Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
- B.
Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
- C.
Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
- D.
Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
Attempted by 1 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
CONCEPT
Earthquake magnitude and earthquake intensity describe different properties. Magnitude is an instrument-based estimate of the energy released at the source, derived from recorded seismic-wave amplitudes.
Intensity describes the observed shaking, damage, and human effects at a particular location, so it may vary from place to place for the same earthquake.
APPLICATION
Statement I assigns impact on people to the Richter scale. The Richter scale is a magnitude scale based on instrumental seismic-wave measurements, not a scale of local human impact; therefore Statement I is incorrect.
Statement II assigns energy released to the Modified Mercalli scale. Modified Mercalli classifies observed effects and damage at a location, not source energy; therefore Statement II is incorrect.
Both statements interchange the roles of magnitude and intensity scales.
CONTRAST
“Both statements are correct” accepts both interchanged roles.
“Both statements are incorrect” rejects both interchanged roles.
“Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect” retains the impact claim for Richter.
“Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct” retains the energy-release claim for Modified Mercalli.
CROSS-CHECK
A single earthquake can have one reported magnitude but different Modified Mercalli intensities at different locations. That location dependence confirms that Modified Mercalli concerns effects, while magnitude concerns the source event.
RESULT
Therefore, both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect.