Question

1. two earthquakes occur on the same day: one in tokyo with a magnitude of 7.2, and one in osaka with a magnitude of 5.1. both earthquakes occurred at the same depth.

which statement is most likely true?
a. the earthquake in tokyo caused less shaking than the earthquake in osaka.
b. the earthquake in osaka caused more damage than the earthquake in tokyo.
c. the earthquake in tokyo caused more damage than the earthquake in osaka.
d. fewer people were injured in tokyo than in osaka.

Explanation:

Earthquake magnitude (Richter scale) is logarithmic; a higher magnitude means significantly more shaking energy. A magnitude 7.2 earthquake (Tokyo) releases far more energy than a 5.1 (Osaka), so it causes stronger shaking. While damage/injury also depend on infrastructure, the most directly supported true statement relates to shaking intensity tied to magnitude.

Answer:

A. The earthquake in Tokyo caused less shaking than the earthquake in Osaka.