Question

An earthquake causes severe structural damage to a house located within 150 miles of the epicenter of the quake. Which of the following is the best likely description of the earthquake? A. The earthquake was less than moderate, measuring below 5.0 on the Richter scale. B. The earthquake was moderate, measuring between 5.0 and 5.9 on the Richter scale. C. The earthquake was strong, measuring between 6.0 and 6.9 on the Richter scale. D. The earthquake was major or great, measuring more than 7.0 on the Richter scale.

Short answer

Considering the distance (within 150 miles) and the severity of the damage, the most likely description of the earthquake is strong, measuring between 6.0 and 6.9 on the Richter scale (option C).

Step-by-step solution

Understand the problem

We are given that the house is within 150 miles of the epicenter and has suffered severe structural damage. Based on this information, we have to choose the most likely earthquake description using the Richter scale. Step 2: Assess each option

Evaluate the options

We have four options, each describing a different intensity range. We will assess them and determine which is most likely given the information provided. A. Less than moderate (< 5.0): Earthquakes of this intensity generally cause minor or no damage. Therefore, it is unlikely that it would cause severe structural damage to the house. B. Moderate (5.0-5.9): Moderate earthquakes can cause damage to structures but are less destructive. This might be a possibility, but we should consider the stronger options as well. C. Strong (6.0-6.9): Strong earthquakes can cause severe damage to poorly constructed buildings and significant damage to well-constructed buildings. This is a possible candidate for the given damage. D. Major or great (> 7.0): Major or great earthquakes cause widespread damage to structures, including well-constructed ones. As the damage to the house is described as severe, this is also a possible candidate. Step 3: Choose the most likely option

Select the best description

Considering the distance (within 150 miles) and the severity of the damage, the most likely descriptions of the earthquake are either strong (option C) or major/great (option D). Since the distance of the affected house is relatively close to the epicenter, we may lean towards a strong earthquake (option C) as our answer. However, without additional information, we cannot completely rule out the possibility that the earthquake was major/great (option D). Both option C and D are plausible descriptions, but given only the information provided, we can choose option C, which states the earthquake was strong, measuring between 6.0 and 6.9 on the Richter scale.