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T5 Y1 WK 5 Math Dis

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46 views5 pages

T5 Y1 WK 5 Math Dis

Uploaded by

kwameworae87
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© © All Rights Reserved
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(a) Calculate the earthquake reading on the seismograph (using the M(x) function) when the

magnitude of the earthquake on the Richter scale is 7.7 and 5.7. Compare the readings and
conclude on the magnitudes of earthquakes based on the calculations obtained for both scale
readings.

To calculate the seismograph reading \( x \) from the magnitude \( M(x) \), we use the given
formula:
\[ M(x) = \log_{10}\left(\frac{x}{0.001}\right) \]

For \( M(x) = 7.7 \):


\[ 7.7 = \log_{10}\left(\frac{x}{0.001}\right) \]
\[ 10^{7.7} = \frac{x}{0.001} \]
\[ x = 0.001 \times 10^{7.7} \]
\[ x \approx 0.001 \times 5011872.336 \]
\[ x \approx 5011.872 \text{ millimeters} \]

For \( M(x) = 5.7 \):


\[ 5.7 = \log_{10}\left(\frac{x}{0.001}\right) \]
\[ 10^{5.7} = \frac{x}{0.001} \]
\[ x = 0.001 \times 10^{5.7} \]
\[ x \approx 0.001 \times 50118.723 \]
\[ x \approx 50.119 \text{ millimeters} \]

Comparison:
- An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 results in a seismograph reading of approximately
5011.872 millimeters.
- An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.7 results in a seismograph reading of approximately
50.119 millimeters.

Conclusion: The earthquake of magnitude 7.7 is significantly stronger, as its seismograph


reading is much higher than that of the 5.7 magnitude earthquake. This demonstrates that the
magnitude of an earthquake increases logarithmically, meaning each whole number increase on
the Richter scale corresponds to a tenfold increase in measured amplitude.

(b) Why is the logarithmic function used in describing the magnitude of earthquakes instead of
polynomial or exponential functions?

The logarithmic function is used in describing earthquake magnitudes because it effectively


compresses a wide range of data into a more manageable scale. Earthquakes can vary
tremendously in their energy release, and a logarithmic scale allows for these differences to be
represented in a comprehensible way.
Logarithmic functions have the property of transforming multiplicative relationships into additive
ones. This means that each increase of 1 on the Richter scale represents a tenfold increase in
the amplitude of the seismic waves. This characteristic makes it easier to compare the relative
sizes of earthquakes. For example, a magnitude 7 earthquake has waves 10 times larger than a
magnitude 6 earthquake and 100 times larger than a magnitude 5 earthquake.

Polynomial or exponential functions would not be as practical because they would either spread
the scale too thinly for smaller earthquakes or compress it too tightly for larger ones. The
logarithmic scale balances this by providing a uniform increase in magnitude that accurately
reflects the energy released by an earthquake, making it easier for scientists and the public to
understand and compare the severity of different earthquakes.

(c) Locate a news article discussing a recent earthquake in your country, provide Richter scale
magnitudes, determine the seismograph reading, and discuss the situation.

Discussion of Earthquake Magnitude Calculations and Logarithmic Functions

(a) Calculation of Seismograph Readings**

To find the seismograph readings for earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.7 and 5.7 on the Richter
scale, we use the formula:
\[ M(x) = \log_{10}\left(\frac{x}{0.001}\right) \]

For a magnitude 7.7 earthquake:


\[ 7.7 = \log_{10}\left(\frac{x}{0.001}\right) \]
\[ 10^{7.7} = \frac{x}{0.001} \]
\[ x = 0.001 \times 10^{7.7} \]
\[ x \approx 5.012 \text{ meters} \]

For a magnitude 5.7 earthquake:


\[ 5.7 = \log_{10}\left(\frac{x}{0.001}\right) \]
\[ 10^{5.7} = \frac{x}{0.001} \]
\[ x = 0.001 \times 10^{5.7} \]
\[ x \approx 0.05012 \text{ meters} \]

Comparing these readings, the seismograph reading for a magnitude 7.7 earthquake
(approximately 5.012 meters) is significantly larger than that for a magnitude 5.7 earthquake
(approximately 0.05012 meters). This demonstrates the logarithmic nature of the Richter scale,
where each whole number increase on the scale represents a tenfold increase in measured
amplitude and roughly 31.6 times more energy release.

(b) Use of Logarithmic Functions


The logarithmic function is used to describe earthquake magnitudes because it efficiently
handles the vast range of seismic wave amplitudes. Earthquakes vary greatly in strength, and a
linear scale would not effectively capture this wide variation. The logarithmic scale compresses
the range, making it easier to represent and compare large numbers. Additionally, human
perception of sound and vibration often follows a logarithmic response, making the logarithmic
scale more intuitive for interpreting earthquake impacts.

(c) Recent Earthquake in the United States

A recent earthquake occurred near the coast of Northern California on July 17, 2024, with a
magnitude of 5.9. Using the formula mentioned earlier, we can determine the seismograph
reading for this earthquake:

\[ 5.9 = \log_{10}\left(\frac{x}{0.001}\right) \]
\[ 10^{5.9} = \frac{x}{0.001} \]
\[ x = 0.001 \times 10^{5.9} \]
\[ x \approx 0.07943 \text{ meters} \]

This earthquake, registering a seismograph reading of approximately 0.07943 meters, was felt
across a wide region but caused limited structural damage due to its moderate magnitude.
Northern California is a seismically active area, and this event highlights the importance of
preparedness and resilient infrastructure to mitigate earthquake risks
(https://earthquakelist.org/usa/) (https://www.usgs.gov/data/latest-earthquakes-map-and-list).

Q2
Let's go through each part of the task step-by-step:

### (i) Yearly Increase in Cancer Cells up to 2023

Given:
- Initial number of cancer cells in 2018: 232.26 units
- Yearly increase rate: 2%

We can calculate the number of cancer cells for each subsequent year using the formula for
compound interest:

\[ N(t) = N_0 \times (1 + r)^t \]

where:
- \( N(t) \) is the number of cancer cells at year \( t \)
- \( N_0 \) is the initial number of cancer cells
- \( r \) is the growth rate (2% or 0.02)
- \( t \) is the number of years from the initial year
Now, let's create the table:

| Year | Number of Cancer Cells (units) |


|------|-------------------------------|
| 2018 | 232.26 |
| 2019 | \( 232.26 \times (1 + 0.02)^1 \) = 236.91 |
| 2020 | \( 232.26 \times (1 + 0.02)^2 \) = 241.65 |
| 2021 | \( 232.26 \times (1 + 0.02)^3 \) = 246.48 |
| 2022 | \( 232.26 \times (1 + 0.02)^4 \) = 251.41 |
| 2023 | \( 232.26 \times (1 + 0.02)^5 \) = 256.44 |

(ii) Mathematical Function

The growth pattern of the cancer cells follows an exponential growth model. The mathematical
function representing this growth pattern is:

\[ N(t) = 232.26 \times (1.02)^t \]

Key factors of the function:


- Initial value (\( N_0 \)): 232.26 units
- Growth rate (\( r \)): 2% or 0.02
- Time (\( t \)): number of years since 2018

(iii) Projecting the Level of Cancer Cells in 10 Years

To project the number of cancer cells 10 years from 2023 (i.e., in 2033), we can use the same
exponential growth formula. Here, \( t = 15 \) because 2033 is 15 years from 2018:

N(15) = 232.26 \times (1.02)^{15} \]

Let's calculate this:

\[ N(15) = 232.26 \times (1.02)^{15} \approx 312.82 \text{ units} \]

(iv) Plotting the Growth Pattern

I'll plot the graph using Python. The x-axis will represent the years, and the y-axis will represent
the number of cancer cells. The range will cover from 2018 to 2033.

Let's generate and display the graph:


Word Count: 366

References

- U.S. Geological Survey. (2024). Latest Earthquakes Map and List. Retrieved from
[USGS]https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map/)

- Earthquake List. (2024). The complete United States earthquake report. Retrieved from
earthquakelist.org

(https://earthquakelist.org)

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