The Richter scale measures

AThe number of deaths

BThe size of its epicentre

CThe energy released by an earthquake ✓ Correct

DThe body-wave count

Correct answer: (C) The energy released by an earthquake

Explanation

The Richter scale measures the magnitude, essentially the energy released by an earthquake at its source.

The number of deaths is a measure of impact and casualties, not of the quake's magnitude.

The size of the epicentre is not a quantity the scale reports; the epicentre is only a location.

A body-wave count is not what the Richter scale records.

Magnitude is read from the amplitude of seismic waves on a seismograph.

The Richter scale is logarithmic, so each whole step is a large jump in released energy.

Want more like this? Create a free account to practise a full test, track your progress, and get spaced-repetition review.